Catheters

Intermittent self-catheterization (IC) is a safe procedure that can help bring your urinary symptoms under control. Many people self-catheterize and report that it has improved their quality of life. It will allow you to completely empty your bladder at regular intervals, protect your kidneys from infection and damage, lower the risk of distending (stretching) the bladder, and eliminate the need for wearing a continuously draining catheter.

If you have been told that you need to do intermittent self-catheterization, it is because your bladder does not empty completely, or maybe it doesn't empty at all. A healthcare provider must prescribe the catheter.

Catheters for intermittent catheterization are soft and designed for easy and safe use. They are made from several different materials and have polished eyelets and round, smooth tips for easy insertion. Some are hydrophilic that become slippery when water is applied to the surface of the catheter for ease in insertion. Catheter lengths differ for men versus women because of the relative difference in length of urethras.