null

Types of Urinary Catheters

ACG Medical Supply understands the importance of carrying a quality selection of urinary catheters to meet your needs. We know you should be able to choose the product that works best for you, and that's why we carry a selection of urinary catheters for you to select from.

There are several different types of urinary catheters used to manage urinary incontinence for both males and females: single-use, intermittent catheters, indwelling (Foley) catheters and external (condom) catheters.

  • Intermittent urinary catheters are disposable and should only be used once. They are frequently recommended for people with urinary incontinence. These catheters are put inside the body through the urethra and can help to fully drain the bladder. 
  • External urinary catheters are used outside the body. For men, an external urinary catheter is similar to wearing a condom and for women it is like a pouch. The only part of these urinary catheters that needs to be replaced is what comes in contact with the body, so this is an economical option for many people.
  • Indwelling urinary catheters (also called Foley catheters) are a bit different from external and intermittent types. Rather than being used for a short time, they are generally in place for longer periods and are usually inserted by a doctor. Another type of indwelling catheter is the suprapubic catheter, which is connected to the bladder through the abdomen. These urinary catheters are inserted during a surgical procedure.