What is an intermittent catheter?
Intermittent catheters are hollow tubes used to drain urine from the bladder. They are inserted at intervals throughout the day, or when you feel the need to go to the toilet. Once the urine has drained out, the catheter is removed. This is called intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC). Most catheters for ISC are used once and then thrown away. Some are designed to be cleaned and reused. There are three main types: Plain catheters are made of plastic and have to be used with a special lubricant before insertion. Coated catheters have a hydrophilic coating. The catheter is soaked in water for a short while before use. The water makes the coating become slippery so it is easy to insert. Pre-lubricated catheters are plain catheters which come packed with lubricant so they are ready to use.
