Types of urinary catheter

A catheter can be inserted in different ways, depending on why it is needed.

• Urethral catheter: inserted through the tube that carries urine out of the bladder.
• Suprapubic catheter: inserted through a small opening made in the lower tummy.

Depending on the type of catheter you have and why it is being used, it may be removed after a few minutes, hours or days, or it may be needed for longer.

Why urinary catheters are used

A urinary catheter is usually used when someone has difficulty passing urine naturally. It can also be used to empty the bladder before or after surgery, or to help with certain tests.

Reasons for using a catheter can include:

• allowing urine to drain if there is a blockage in the urethra, for example because of scarring or an enlarged prostate
• helping you pass urine if you have bladder weakness or nerve damage
• draining the bladder during childbirth, for example if you have an epidural
• draining the bladder before, during or after some types of surgery
• delivering medication directly into the bladder
• treating urinary incontinence when other treatments have not worked

Main types of catheter

There are 2 main types of urinary catheter:

• Intermittent catheters: temporarily inserted into the bladder and removed once the bladder is empty.
• Indwelling catheters: remain in place for many days or weeks and are held in position by a water-filled balloon in the bladder.

Indwelling catheters can be more convenient but are more likely to cause problems such as infections.

Inserting either type of catheter can be uncomfortable, so anaesthetic gel is usually used to reduce pain. Some discomfort while the catheter is in place is common, but many people with a long-term catheter get used to this over time.