An intermittent catheter is a flexible tube drains Urine from the bladder through the urethra. They are used to treat incontinence and urinary retention. It is possible to use catheters permanently (indwelling catheters) or intermittently (intermittent catheters).
In most cases, these are Cure Sterile, Single Use, Ready-To-Use Intermittent Catheter. Disposable catheters are reused daily by many patients, however. Reusing intermittent catheters is often unsafe and ineffective, putting a patient's health at risk.
How are Intermittent urinary catheters used?
After surgery, the bladder may empty temporarily, requiring a urinary catheter. The patient should then remove short-term catheters. The catheter is sometimes called an "in-and-out" catheter.
A caregiver can assist a patient with using an intermittent catheter at home, or they may use it independently. A catheterization hole can also be formed in the lower abdomen or through the urethra.
Some differences between Disposable and reusable catheters
An intermittent catheter can easily and quickly empty your bladder throughout the day. In addition to mimicking normal bladder functions, self-catheterization also gives you more control of your bladder.
There are a variety of intermittent catheter types available. The material, size, tip style, and length of the catheter can all be customized according to your condition and preferences.
The sterile water or saline activates many intermittent catheters (like hydrophilic devices) and is pre-lubricated. Use lubricating jelly if you want smooth, easy insertion of some catheters (like some straight-tip catheters).
Due to financial reasons or environmental concerns, some people clean and reuse their intermittent catheters. It is recommended that a brand new catheter be used each time intermittent self-catheterization is performed - especially in patients with spinal cord injuries.
Infections, urethral bleeding, and trauma are all possible complications of reusing catheters. In terms of catheter type and length, it is essential to follow the advice of your medical professional or nurse.
Should you reuse intermittent catheters?
Intermittent catheters are considered single-use by the FDA. While multiple-use catheters can be sterilized at home, there is insufficient evidence to show they are as safe as single-use catheters.
It would help if you never used certain catheter types (particularly hydrophilic varieties) more than once. Reusing a hydrophilic catheter after removing it will result in friction due to the removed pre-lubricated surface.
Intermittent catheters should not be washed and reused due to the risk of bacterial contamination. Using disposable, sterile, single-use catheters is recommended for safety and health reasons.
Is reusing a catheter risky?
There are often special features on disposable catheters, such as a code tip that makes insertion easier. In addition to making self-catheterization more comfortable, it collects blood, tissue, and other organic matter.
It is nearly impossible to clean this residue at home altogether. It is possible to infect (or reinfect) yourself with viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms after reusing such catheters.
causes of Urinary tract infection
Reusing an intermittent catheter increases the risk of contracting a urinary tract infection (UTI). Pain and discomfort are common symptoms of UTIs. The urethras allow bacteria to enter the body and multiply in the urinary system. Adults and children are susceptible to urinary tract infections.
A urinary tract infection can be of two types: lower tract (urethra and bladder) and upper tract (ureters and kidneys). There is no way to transmit diseases from one person to another, but bacteria that cause UTIs can.
Sexual activities are not recommended once the body recovers from an infection. If left untreated, UTIs can cause kidney infections, kidney damage, and sepsis despite being expected.
Urinary tract infections often cause the following symptoms: Urination frequently; when urinating, there is a burning sensation, Cloudy Urine, Urine with a reddish or pinkish color, Urine with blood, Fever, lower back pain, and Rectal or pelvic pain.
Compromising the effectiveness of the catheter
It is also possible to compromise the performance and effectiveness of a disposable catheter when you reuse it.
Catheters designed for single-use are intended to perform optimally once. Using the home device for rewashing or sterilizing weakens the tubing's integrity, raising urethral trauma risks.
Urethral trauma can cause Urine to leak into the surrounding tissue. A range of symptoms can result, including the inability to urinate, abdominal pain, infections, swelling, and inflammation.
What you need to know about reusing catheters
Reusing your catheter poses a genuine risk of infection even after cleaning it. In a laboratory test, 67% of PVC catheters could not be sufficiently sanitized even when the catheters were washed with antibacterial soap.
Microorganisms continue to reside in catheter tubing regardless of how it is cleaned, increasing the likelihood of various illnesses and infections.
How do I Use catheters safely
Your doctor or nurse should provide detailed information on catheter use. Before you use any intermittent catheter, read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
When self-cathing, ensure you are practicing exceptional hygiene and using adequate lubrication. Always perform catheterization in a clean bathroom and wash your hands thoroughly.
It is important not to let the catheter touch any surfaces, including the sink, toilet, or walls in the bathroom. The urethra ends should never be touched. Rinse and wash the catheter immediately after each use.
If you experience pain and discomfort during self-cathing, try a different product (such as a disposable pre-lubricated or hydrophilic catheter).
Whether you reuse your catheter or not, always contact your treating physician or nurse if you experience a Temperature higher than 101° F, Pain around the rib area, Vomiting, Nausea, Chills, and Difficulty inserting/removing the catheter.
Choose your catheter supplies wisely.
Most intermittent catheter users must "catch" every 4 to 6 hours. While reusing your intermittent catheter may seem like a cost-effective solution, remember that they have been designed for one-time use only.
Reusing them puts your health at risk and can ultimately cost you more than the small savings resulting from using your catheter more than once.
Bottom line
Sky Medical Supply offers a wide variety of intermittent catheters of different styles, sizes, and price ranges – you're bound to find something that suits your lifestyle!
Sky Medical Supplies is the best medical supply store in Denver, Colorado, to buy catheter supplies. We also serve colorado around Denver International airport (DIA), Parker, Littleton, Boulder, Aurora, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Englewood, Denver Tech Center, Cherry Creek, Greenwood Village, Longmont, Westminster, Lakewood, Green valley ranch, Northfield Stapleton, Montebello Erie, Superior, Lafayette, Wheatridge, Brighton, Thornton, Elizabeth, Golden, Arvada, Englewood, Lone Tree, central park, Franktown.