Category: Catheter Resources

Searching for catheters for men, women, or children? Shop a variety of catheters from hydrophilic, Foley, external, and more at PersonallyDelivered.com. We carry catheters from manufacturers like ConvaTec, Cure, Coloplast, Bard, and more!

Our blogs contain a wealth of catheter resources on catheter products and a variety of medical conditions that require the use of a urinary catheter. You can learn about Foley catheters, coude catheters, hydrophilic catheters, pocket catheters, and so much more!

If you need assistance finding the urinary catheter for your unique needs, our Personally Delivered Product Experts are just a phone call away and here to help. We hope that all of the catheter resources you read about in our blogs are helpful.

What To Do For Catheter Pain?

Posted on August 26, 2019March 22, 2024
by Michelle Stepp

There are many questions someone might have when they start using a catheter daily to empty their bladder. One of the most common will likely be the pain factor. When you first start to use intermittent catheterization, it might feel uncomfortable or even painful. There are a number of factors that could affect your comfort level when cathing. If you are worried about pain, we will discuss those factors below and explain what to do for catheter pain.

Why You Might Feel Pain When You Cath

The first few times you cath, it’s expected that you might not know exactly what you are doing. Your doctor and nurses will have demonstrated how to use the catheter, but it is common to feel uneasy when you’re doing it early on. If you feel discomfort or pain when you cath, you should try taking a deep breath and relaxing. You could be tense, which will only make it more difficult to cath correctly without hurting yourself. If you still feel pain after you have tried relaxing, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible to rule out any conditions, such as a urinary tract infection. ConvaTec offers GentleCath trainer on their site that features customized self-catheterization instructional videos and also answers questions, provides support, and gives access to other resources for intermittent catheter users.

Catheter Features to Consider

Coudé Catheters

coude tip catheter Some patients may also respond to some types of catheters better than others. For example, coudé catheters feature a bent, fixed tip for easier insertion. These types of catheters are also great at bypassing any obstructions or strictures in the urethra. Your doctor may recommend one of these or other catheter types depending on your specific issues.

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Polished Eyelet Catheters

Catheters that have smooth, polished eyelets are also beneficial for reducing any friction or discomfort in the urethra. These small holes allow urine to drain near the insertion tip and down the catheter tube into a container such as a bag. ConvaTec manufactures GentleCath catheters that feature this type of drainage eyelet with a rounded insertion tip that aids in comfort and reduces any damage to the urethra.

Hydrophilic Catheters

Hydrophilic catheters are pre-lubricated and designed for patients who have trouble inserting the catheter into the urethra. These types of catheters are made for both females and males. They help reduce the risk of obtaining a urinal tract infection (UTI) and provide the utmost comfort upon insertion and removal. The GentleCath Glide by ConvaTec is a quite popular option and used by many of our satisfied patients. This catheter is easily lubricated by popping the included water pack to activate the low-friction coating featuring ConvaTec’s FeelClean™ technology. We also carry an option that has the coudé tip for added comfort.

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Use Lubrication on Uncoated Catheters

If you are using a catheter that does not include any type of lubrication, you may consider using a lubricant to make the insertion process as effortless as possible. We have many high-quality options available to you and are able to help you determine which one would be best for you.

Something to note about these lubricants is to first find out if you have any allergies to the ingredients. Most are latex-free, hypoallergenic, and sterile. However, some contain Chlorhexidine. This agent is used to reduce bacteria but may cause stinging, redness, swelling, or even a UTI in those that are allergic to it. It would be wise to determine a list of what you are allergic to prior trying a lubricant.

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Cathing Pain-Free Should Be the Norm

While you may feel pain or discomfort in your first few times of cathing, this should not be the norm. If taking a deep breath and changing your technique does not help, you should speak with your doctor to determine the right course of action for what to do for catheter pain. You should never feel the need to force your catheter upon insertion. More harm could be done than intended.

For more information about catheterization, what to do for catheter pain, or help finding the right catheter for you, please contact one of our Personally Delivered Product Experts at (800) 777-1111.

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3D render of a silhouette of a female in a wheelchair with her arms raised against a sunset ocean

Best-Selling Catheters and Catheter Supplies

K2 Cure Catheter Insertion Supplies Kit

Coloplast SpeediCath Coude Catheter

SpeediCath Compact Set for Men

Surgilube Surgical Lubricant (Flip-top Cap)

What Makes LoFric Catheters Different?

Posted on July 22, 2019August 17, 2021
by Michelle Stepp

If you or someone in your family has been using a catheter for long, then you already know that the brand and style of catheter makes a big difference. The wrong catheter can be uncomfortable and lead to irritation or even infection. This is the conclusion that professionals have come to in the course of working with hundreds or even thousands of patients over many years. And it’s one of the reasons that LoFric catheters (formerly known as Astra Tech) are so popular.

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High Quality is Essential for Comfort

There are many problems you can run into if using a low-quality catheter or the wrong kind for your needs. One of the most serious is discomfort during insertion. This is a real problem because you will need to insert a catheter often over time, and if the process is irritating it can lead to pain and health issues.

That is why LoFric catheters are so widely preferred. Wellspect, the company that makes LoFric, has been making high-quality and innovative medical devices for over 65 years now. They have built up a reputation for taking seemingly normal devices like catheters and making them easier to use, more comfortable, or better in some way.

In the case of catheters, that innovation comes in the form of the LoFric line of catheters. LoFric is exactly what it sounds like: a low friction line that allows you to insert your catheter as smoothly as possible. The LoFric catheters are known for being pain-free, easy to insert, and not needing any messy lubricant. That’s right: an irritation-free experience without lubrication.

This is possible because of LoFric’s hydrophilic coating. This coating covers the entire surface of the catheter and is super-smooth when wet. Just a small amount of sterile water activates it and the catheter will slide in as easily as if you are using lubricant. It’s the sort of ingenious solution we’d expect from LoFric.

The Patented Coating Makes All the Difference!

Providing the ultimate comfort, Wellspect designed LoFric catheters with their patented and unique Urotonic™ Surface Technology coating. This coating allows for more comfortable insertion and removal because it imitates the natural lining of the urethra, keeping the catheter lubricated the entire time it is in use. LoFric catheters are the only ones shown to minimize the development of urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary obstructions such as scarring, and other complications of the urethra.

The LoFric line of catheters is available in models for men, women, and children. They are all free of latex, PVC, and phthalate and are discreetly packaged for privacy. Of course, this is just one recommendation out of many high-quality and respected brands. What is your preferred line of catheter? Talk to your doctor and call us at Personally Delivered to find the catheter that’s right for you!

Popular LoFric Catheters We Offer

LoFric Sense Female Hydrophilic Catheter

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Why You Should Not Reuse Your Catheters

Posted on July 2, 2019June 21, 2023
by Michelle Stepp

When catheters were first created, it was normal practice to reuse them because resources and availability were limited. Today, however, the use of catheters has evolved to become safer, more hygienic, and less expensive.

Recent studies show that sterile intermittent catheters may lessen the risk of urinary tract infections. Although there is research as well as intermittent catheters being designated as single-use devices by the FDA, some people still choose to reuse their catheters. Some may do this because they think it’s more cost-effective or environmentally friendly. However, they may be putting themselves at risk for potential infection.

Is It Safe to Reuse Catheters?

In the early 2000s, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did research to find out if reusing catheters was safe. In 2002, the FDA came to the conclusion that they could not approve washing and reusing catheters under any circumstances.

During the FDA’s testing, 67% of catheters that were considered “adequately sanitized” still tested positive for bacteria and pathogens. Not even antibacterial soap or typical home sterilization techniques fully sanitized the intermittent catheters. From this study, the FDA concluded that reusing catheters could lead to an increased risk of infection.

Catheters are made of a unique porous material that allows bacteria and other residual tissue inside during use, causing the catheter to no longer be sterile. In addition, factors such as poor cleaning techniques and non-sterile storage methods may further contaminate the catheter.

That’s why sterile intermittent catheterization is the most ideal and safest way to cath. Per FDA guidelines, any intermittent catheter should be disposed of immediately after use.

The risk to one’s health far outweighs the cost or environmental concerns that lead people to reuse their catheters.

What are the Risks of Reusing Catheters?

If you’re reusing catheters, you may be more susceptible to:

UTIs (urinary tract infections)
Bladder infections
Kidney infections
Urethral damage or scar tissue build-up

The primary cause of infection risk is due to bacteria still inside and on the surface of an intermittent catheter after use. In research studies, not even thorough lab-based cleaning of catheters could fully sterilize them for use again.

Additionally, if a catheter is reused often over a long period of time, its material may begin to break down. As catheter material begins to break down, the catheter becomes more porous and may trap more bacteria; additionally, the catheter itself may also become rough and coarse leading to more painful catheterization or damage to the urethra.

Hydrophilic catheters have a smooth, slippery surface which is designed to make intermittent self-catheterization easier and help reduce the risk of infection. These types of catheters should never be used more than once. After the hydrophilic catheter is removed, the slick, pre-lubricated surface is gone, and reusing it will result in friction.

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Not even bacterial soap can sterilize your catheters

What are the Benefits of Single-Use Catheters?

In contrast, you may find there are numerous benefits to switching to sterile intermittent catheterization (using a catheter one time and then disposing of it).

Benefits may include:

Reduced risk of UTIs and bladder infections
More time freed up by no longer washing and
reusing catheters
Healthier lifestyle and more energy
Confidence that your catheter supplies are
sterile to use every time
Reduced chance of urethral damage

If you have to use catheters and you’re contemplating reusing them, it’s good to consider the potential risks when weighing your options.

It’s best to consult your healthcare professional with questions about your health. However, if you need more information about your product options for sterile catheters, our specialists at Personally Delivered will be glad to help you find the perfect solution to your catheter needs.

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Category: Catheter Resources

What To Do For Catheter Pain?

Why You Might Feel Pain When You Cath