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Jan
09
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Buying a urinary catheter for home use may be an uncomfortable thing to do for many people, but you have to do what you have to do. Also, these days you can more easily buy catheters by getting them online, which can save you a trip and some of the discomfort that may come from having other people know you have to use a catheter. Really, though, catheterization isn’t something to be ashamed of since lots of people have to use catheters at some point during their lives.
There are many different types of urinary catheters, and there are also many different sizes. Before buying a catheter, make sure you’re getting the right size, which should be the smallest size you can possibly use. If you aren’t sure which size to order, check with your doctor.
There is also a difference between indwelling catheters and intermittent catheters. An indwelling catheter simply stays in your bladder for an extended length of time. If you’re catheterizing yourself at home, though, you’ll probably use an intermittent catheter, which is only inserted until the flow of urine stops. These types of catheters also come in different types; some are disposable, so you only use them once, while others can be used several times and are made of sturdier materials.
Within these breakdowns, there are catheters made of different types of materials, as well. Before buying any, talk to your doctor about the exact type you should get, and also be sure that you know how to care for your catheter. Disposable catheters, while slightly more expensive, are easy to take care of. If you use reusable catheters, though, you’ll have to wash and disinfect them between uses, so you’ll need to read the directions or ask your doctor how to do this.