A Foley catheter is a specific type of catheter your doctor may recommend for a procedure. This type of catheter is able to remain present in the body longer than other types. It is because of this that the product is able to help improve the quality of life for the individual. If you need this type of catheter, it means that your doctor wishes to provide a way to collect urine from your bladder. It could be because you need to have a test run on the urine or perhaps as a way to avoid problems with severe incontinence. In all cases, you should follow your doctor’s advice in treating the condition.

Why would a doctor use a Foley catheter? There are many reasons, including the following.

• The use of this product is often necessary if the urine output needs monitoring. This is particularly important in an injured individual or someone that is critically ill.
• It is often necessary if a person is struggling with urinary hesitancy, decrease in size and force of the body’s normal stream of urine, a straining to urinate occurs, there is an interruption of the urinary stream occurring or there is a sensation of an incomplete emptying of the bladder.
• It may be necessary to use this device after surgery when a patient is unable to use the bathroom normally.
• The doctor may use the Foley catheter when it is necessary to create a sterile way of collecting the urine of a person for testing. This can help to diagnosis problems, for example.
• In some people, there is the presence of nerve related bladder dysfunction, which can occur in numerous accidents and injuries, including spinal trauma.
• The doctor can use this type of catheter to get an image of the lower urinary tract by using a camera attached to the device.

The Foley catheter is often a tool to help individuals control bladder flow, too. If your doctor recommends the use of this product, it is critical that you use it. Most often, it is useful in a doctor’s office rather than in a typical home setting. However, you may need to use it long term. When this is the case, ask your doctor about your bladder health and ensure you understand the potential risks associated with having the catheter in long term. For many people, it is no problem.