Millions of people suffer from urinary incontinence.  Dealing with the problem can be difficult and embarrassing.  Patients are often looking for a solution that will allow them to control their own problem.  One such solution is to use an intermittent catheter.  The intermittent catheter is a device that is used externally to collect and remove urine leakage.

The use of an intermittent catheter is helpful for those who don’t need a permanent or more drastic resolution.  Using the external catheter is preferable to a permanent catheter in many instances, since there is no need for a surgical procedure.  The patient himself controls the use of the external catheter.

The use of an intermittent catheter is useful for those who have only an occasional or temporary need for it.  Those who can’t fully empty the bladder, as well as those recovering from some surgeries, are ideal candidates to use the external catheter.  The system is easily learned and can become as simple as a regular trip to the bathroom.

Not only does the external catheter allow the patient to discretely eliminate embarrassing urine leakage, it also helps keep the bladder emptied.  This reduces   bladder and kidney damage, as well as preventing urinary tract infections. These infections can cause permanent damage to the system.

The intermittent catheter may be used by either men or women.  However, men more typically use the external catheter system.  Urinary incontinence is a common problem, particularly in older individuals.  One problem that occurs as we age is that the bladder can no longer fully eliminate the urine produced.  The system is weakened and, thus, doesn’t hold urine properly.

Using an intermittent catheter may be necessary to fully eliminate urine from the system.  The intermittent catheter differs from the simple external catheter.  The intermittent catheter is applied specifically to remove excess urine and is then removed.  The external catheter can be kept in place during the day or night to effectively catch any urine leakage that occurs.

Patients can learn to use the intermittent catheter by themselves.  However, elderly patients or those with dexterity problems may require assistance in using it.  The system must be properly placed in order to fully eliminate urine from the bladder.  Once the patient learns how to properly place and use the catheter they will be able to use it at any time they need to.  The system uses sterile, disposable parts that are simply placed into the refuse once used.