Catheters for Men: What You Need to Know

Introduction

A catheter is a flexible tube used to drain urine from the bladder when a person is unable to urinate naturally. Catheters are commonly used in hospitals and for home care in conditions such as urinary retention, post-surgery recovery, or neurological disorders affecting bladder control.

Types of Catheters for Men

There are several types of urinary catheters available for men, each with specific uses:

1. Indwelling (Foley) Catheter

• Inserted through the urethra into the bladder.
• Remains in place due to an inflatable balloon.
• Suitable for long-term use in patients requiring continuous drainage.

2. Intermittent (Self) Catheter

• Used for short-term or periodic emptying of the bladder.
• Inserted and removed by the patient several times a day.
• Preferred for those with spinal cord injuries or urinary retention.

3. Suprapubic Catheter

• Surgically inserted through the abdomen directly into the bladder.
• Used when the urethra cannot be accessed.
• Less risk of infection than Foley catheters for long-term use.

4. Condom Catheter

• External catheter placed over the penis, rather than inserted.
• Suitable for men with urinary incontinence.
• Requires careful skin care to prevent irritation or infection.

Risks and Complications

While catheters can be essential for managing bladder problems, they also have risks, including: - Infections (Urinary Tract Infections - UTIs, catheter-associated UTI - CAUTI). - Bladder spasms due to constant irritation. - Urethral damage from improper insertion. - Kidney damage if urine is not drained properly.

Proper Catheter Care

To reduce complications, follow these guidelines: - Wash hands before and after handling the catheter. - Keep the drainage bag below bladder level to prevent reflux. - Regularly clean the catheter and the surrounding skin. - Drink plenty of water to flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of catheter and ensuring proper hygiene are essential for men's urinary health. Always seek medical advice to determine the most suitable catheter type for your condition and to minimize risks.

Source recommendations

1. European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines on Urological Infections

1. https://uroweb.org/guidelines/urological-infections
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38714379/
3. https://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838(24)02263-2/fulltext
4. https://uroweb.org/guidelines
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0302283824022632

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines for Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI)

1. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/cauti/index.html
2. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/7222
3. https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/pscmanual/7psccauticurrent.pdf
4. https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/hai/data/archive/2020-HAI-progress-report.html
5. https://www.cdc.gov/uti/hcp/clinical-safety/index.html

3. American Urological Association (AUA) Guidelines on Catheter Use

1. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/quality-and-measurement/quality-improvement/clinical-consensus-statement-and-quality-improvement-issue-brief-(ccs-and-qiib)/indwelling-urinary-catheter-management-of-the-acute-patient
2. https://uroweb.org/guidelines/urological-infections/chapter/the-guideline
3. https://www.auanet.org/meetings-and-education/for-medical-students/medical-students-curriculum/bladder-drainage
4. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/1200/p655.html
5. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-(bph)-guideline