When you develop problems with urine elimination and need to wear a catheter, understanding the different catheter supplies will help you as you investigate your options. Two things you will definitely need are the catheter itself and a drainage bag. The catheter serves to drain the urine from your bladder. The drainage bag is used to catch the urine after it has been eliminated from the bladder.

Many different catheter supplies exist. There are catheters for both males and females. Other types of catheters are available based on how they will be used. The three types of catheters are condom catheters, intermittent catheters, and indwelling catheters. They all function the same because they drain the urine from the bladder; however, they do have differences.

Condom catheters are external catheters for men. They are placed over the penis to eliminate urine and drain it into drainage bag. Since it is external, you will have to replace it on a regular basis. Intermittent catheters are for short-term use. These can be used when there is a one-time need to completely drain the bladder to prevent bladder damage, kidney damage, or urinary tract infection. If you need an indwelling catheter, these will be inserted via surgery. These will obviously be left in place for a longer period of time.

Drainage bags are important when it comes to catheter supplies. They are a necessity, as you will not have anything to catch the urine from your catheter without one. The two main types of bags are a leg bag and a bedside drainage bag. The leg bag is worn throughout the day on the lower part of the leg. It can be easily concealed under clothing; therefore, it can be worn in public. A bedside drainage bag is for nighttime use, while you are in bed. It holds more urine than a leg bag because it is meant to get you through the night.

You may need to wear a catheter because you had some kind of urinary complication. You may have had surgery or any number of other medical procedures. Regardless of which it is, the catheter can be an essential tool to ensure physical health. It eliminates toxins and keeps them out of the body, where they can cause major problems that can end in death if left unchecked. Catheter supplies can save your life. So, make sure you investigate your options and choose the one that is right for you.