Medical Catheters for Sale
Finding the right catheter is an important part of managing urinary health and ensuring daily comfort. At Express Medical Supply, we make it simple to buy catheters online with a wide selection of trusted brands, multiple sizes, and discreet shipping options. Whether you need an everyday intermittent catheter, an external condom catheter for male incontinence, or a Foley catheter for longer-term use, you can find everything you need in one place.
We carry top brands such as Bard, Coloplast, Cure, Hollister, ConvaTec, and Rusch, with products for men, women, and pediatric patients. Our inventory also includes catheter insertion kits, drainage bags, extension tubing, and lubricating jelly, making it easy to order all your supplies together.
What is a Catheter?
Catheters are medical devices used to assist people who have difficulty controlling or emptying their bladder. They come in various forms, including thin tubes that are inserted into the body or external devices worn on the outside of the body.
All catheters must be sterile to prevent infection, and it is important to seek medical advice when deciding which catheter is right for you.
What Are the Three Types of Catheters?
The three main types of urinary catheters are:
-
- Intermittent catheters
- External catheters
- Foley catheters
Intermittent Catheters
Intermittent catheters are thin, flexible tubes temporarily inserted to drain the bladder for people with urinary retention. Once the bladder is emptied, the catheter is removed and discarded.
These catheters are available in:
- Straight-tip styles or coude-tip styles (angled tip to navigate obstructions or enlarged prostate).
- Various lengths and diameters (French sizes) to fit individual anatomy.
- Hydrophilic pre-lubricated options, or uncoated versions paired with separate lubricating jelly.
With advancements in self-catheterization, insertion has become more comfortable and discreet. Popular brands include Rusch, Cure Medical, Medline, Hollister, and Coloplast.
External Catheters
External catheters, also known as condom catheters, are one-piece molded sheaths that fit over the penis to collect urine into a leg or bedside bag. They are commonly used by men with urinary incontinence as an alternative to adult diapers.
Some designs include:
- Adhesive-lined sheaths for secure all-day wear.
- Transparent materials to monitor skin condition.
- Texas catheters, a three-piece style with a thin sheath, silicone tube, and connector. These usually require medical adhesive or foam strips for securement.
Express Medical Supply offers multiple external catheter options from brands like Covidien Dover, Bard, Urocare, and Coloplast.
Foley Catheters
Foley catheters are indwelling catheters that remain inside the bladder for longer periods, typically several days or weeks. They are often used after surgery or for patients who are bedridden.
A small balloon on the catheter tip is filled with sterile water after insertion to keep the catheter in place. While in use, a drainage bag is attached to collect urine.
Securement devices are often recommended to prevent accidental pulling or dislodgement, which can cause pain or urethral damage.
What is a Catheter Used For?
Urinary catheters are commonly used to treat:
- Urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine.
- Urinary retention: Inability to fully empty the bladder.
Catheters may be made of latex, silicone, or red rubber and come in different lengths and sizes to fit each individual comfortably. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when selecting a catheter type and size to avoid complications.
How Does a Catheter Work?
Each type of catheter works a bit differently:
- Intermittent catheters and Foley catheters are inserted into the urethra and bladder, allowing urine to flow through the tube and out of the body.
- External catheters are worn outside the penis and direct urine into a connected bag.
Proper insertion technique and sterile handling are essential to reduce the risk of infection and irritation.
Understanding Catheter Sizes
Catheter size is an important factor in ensuring comfort, safety, and proper bladder drainage. Catheters are measured using the French (Fr) scale, which indicates the outer diameter of the tube. A higher French number corresponds to a wider catheter tube.
Choosing the correct size helps avoid issues such as leakage, discomfort, or urethral trauma. Healthcare professionals usually recommend the smallest effective size to minimize irritation.
Typical catheter sizes include:
- Pediatric catheters: 6–10 Fr (for children and smaller anatomies)
- Female catheters: Often 10–14 Fr, with shorter lengths designed for comfort
- Male catheters: Typically 14–18 Fr, available in longer lengths to reach the bladder
- Specialized catheters: Larger sizes (up to 24 Fr) may be used in medical settings for rapid drainage or special conditions.
When selecting a catheter, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s recommendation on both size and style, as using the wrong size can increase the risk of infection, blockage, or urethral damage.
Catheter Care, Cleaning, and Storage
Even when using single-use catheters, following proper hygiene practices is vital to protect your urinary tract health. Reusable catheters (when prescribed by a doctor) require special care to ensure safety.
Best practices for catheter care include:
- Washing hands thoroughly before and after each catheterization.
- Using sterile catheters or properly cleaning reusable ones as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Rinsing reusable catheters with warm, soapy water, then disinfecting and allowing them to air dry completely before storage.
- Storing catheters in a clean, dry container or case, away from contaminants.
- Replacing catheters as often as directed, since prolonged use can increase the risk of infection or urethral irritation.
Always consult your healthcare professional or caregiver for instructions specific to your condition and catheter type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a catheter stay in place?
Intermittent catheters are single-use and discarded after each use. Foley catheters may remain in place for several days or weeks, as directed by your healthcare provider.
Do catheters increase the risk of infection?
Any catheter can carry a risk of urinary tract infection if not handled properly. Always wash your hands before and after use and follow sterile techniques.
What sizes do catheters come in?
Catheters are measured using the French (Fr) scale. Pediatric catheters may be 6–10 Fr, while most adult catheters range from 12–18 Fr.
Are catheters painful to use?
Most users feel only mild discomfort or pressure during insertion. Using lubrication and the correct catheter size helps reduce irritation. Persistent pain should be reported to your doctor.
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