A urinary catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. It is used when a person is unable to urinate on their own, such as after surgery, childbirth, or due to a medical condition. Catheterization is a common procedure that is typically performed by a nurse or doctor.
There are two main types of urinary catheters: indwelling and intermittent. Indwelling catheters are left in place for an extended period of time, while intermittent catheters are inserted and removed as needed. Indwelling catheters are typically used for people who are unable to urinate on their own for an extended period of time, such as those who are paralyzed or have a spinal cord injury. Intermittent catheters are typically used for people who have difficulty urinating, such as those with a urinary tract infection or an enlarged prostate.
