Female Catheters: The Complete Guide

Types of Female Catheters

Female catheters come in several types, each designed to support different medical needs, lifestyles, and preferences. Understanding the options can help you choose the best product for comfort, ease of use, and hygiene. Catheters are generally grouped into three main categories: intermittent catheters, indwelling (Foley) catheters, and external catheters.

Intermittent Catheters

Used for occasional bladder drainage, intermittent catheters are inserted temporarily and removed after use. Subtypes include:

• Straight Catheters: The standard in-and-out catheter, straight tip catheters are usually uncoated and require manual lubrication with sterile jelly. They are available in different lengths and French sizes.
• Hydrophilic Catheters: Designed with a special coating that becomes slippery when activated with sterile water or saline, hydrophilic catheters reduce friction for smoother insertion without the need for separate lubricant.
• Pre-lubricated Catheters: These ready-to-use catheters come pre-coated with lubrication, offering convenience and reducing the risk of contamination from handling.
• Closed System Catheters: Closed system catheters include a pre-lubricated catheter housed within a collection bag. This self-contained system allows for no-touch insertion and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), making them ideal for use in public or sterile settings.
• Compact (Pocket) Catheters: Compact catheters are discreet, pre-lubricated, and easy to carry. They're designed for women who need a portable solution, often featuring designs that can be used and disposed of with minimal handling. Popular options include Coloplast SpeediCath Compact Plus and Hollister VaPro Plus Pocket.

Indwelling Catheters (Foley Catheters)

Foley catheters are inserted and left in place for extended periods, typically secured with a small balloon inside the bladder. These are often used in hospitals or for long-term care situations and must be managed with care to prevent infections.

External Catheters

External catheters for women, such as PureWick™ or urinary pouches, are placed outside the body to collect urine without insertion into the urethra. These are non-invasive and often used for nighttime incontinence or when insertion is not possible.

What to Consider When Choosing a Female Catheter

• Length: Female catheters are typically shorter than male catheters, but standard-length (around 16 inches) options are also available depending on preference and ease of use.
• French Size: Refers to the catheter’s diameter. Choosing the right French size is essential for comfort and effective drainage.
• Materials: Most catheters are made of latex-free materials such as silicone or PVC, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
• Coude Tip vs. Straight Tip: While most female catheters use a straight tip, coude tips (curved) may be recommended for navigating around obstructions or for users with certain medical conditions.
• Ease of Use: Pre-lubricated and closed systems offer convenience and reduce contamination risk.
• Hygiene: No-touch systems and external catheters reduce the risk of infection and are easier to use in less sanitary environments.

How to Use a Female Catheter

Prior to using any female catheter, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and contact your healthcare professional, treating physician, or nurse with any questions.

Before you self-catheterize, ensure that you have all the necessary supplies on hand. For most women, these include the catheter, sterile lubricating jelly, cleaning wipe/towelette, and a container to collect the urine if a toilet is not available.

Here are some simple steps that will help make the self-catheterization process much easier:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you prefer, you may also use disposable gloves. 
• Ensure that your genital area is clean and dry. You can clean your labia using a baby wipe or antiseptic towelette. 
• Peel back the paper side of the catheter packet without touching the catheter. 
• If you are using a non-lubricated catheter, apply lubricating jelly to the top 2 inches of the device. 
• Gently fold back the labia and locate the urethral opening (You may also use a mirror to help with this process).
• Holding your labia with one hand, use your other hand to gently slide the catheter up into the urethra until urine begins to flow. 
• Let the urine drain into the toilet or container. 
• Once the urine flow has stopped, place a finger over the end of the tube and remove the catheter. 
• You can dispose of the used catheter in the normal trash. Never flush the device down the toilet. 

It is important to never force the catheter if it feels stuck. Instead, remove the device, take a few deep breaths, and try again.

Female Catheter Sizing

A female catheter tube is typically between 5 and 8 inches long, however, intermittent catheters often have their diameters measured in French sizes. One French unit (Fr) equals 0.013 inches or 0.33mm.

In general, female intermittent urinary catheters fall in the 8Fr to 16Fr range. The higher this number, the larger the catheter’s diameter.

What Is the Difference Between Male and Female Catheters?

The primary difference between male vs female catheters is their length. Male catheters are generally 16 inches long to accommodate the longer male urethra, while female catheters are shorter, typically around 6 to 8 inches. Aside from length, both types may come in similar materials, styles (such as straight tip or coude tip), and features like hydrophilic coatings or closed systems. While women can usually use either length, men should not use female-length catheters, as they are too short to safely reach the bladder. Choosing the correct length is important for effective and safe catheterization.

Can a Woman Use a Male Catheter?

Yes, a woman can use a male catheter. Male catheters are typically about 16 inches long, while female catheters are shorter—usually 6 to 8 inches—because the female urethra is much shorter. Some women may find that using a longer, male-length catheter provides easier handling or better control, especially when self-catheterizing. However, the longer length isn’t medically necessary for women and may feel less comfortable for some. Always consult a healthcare provider when choosing the right catheter type and length to ensure safety and comfort.

What is Intermittent Catheterization for Females?

A female catheter is a type of intermittent catheter. Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) is the process of inserting and removing a urinary catheter to empty the bladder at regular intervals throughout the day. ISC may be required due to urinary retention, incontinence, and spinal cord injuries. 

Intermittent catheters are small flexible tubes used to drain urine from the bladder. They are typically inserted through a urethra or a stoma. Intermittent catheters are designed for single-use only and are usually made of red rubber latex, PVC, or silicone. 

As the female urethra is only a few inches long, female intermittent catheters are significantly shorter than standard 16-inch catheters, varying between 5 and 8 inches in length. 

Is It Painful to Self Catheterize?

At the start, self-catheterization may cause slight pain. If you experience discomfort while inserting your catheter, take some time to relax before trying again.

For some people, the entire process of self-catheterization may be uncomfortable and painful. Trying different products and techniques, however, often helps to reduce discomfort.

What Female Catheter Problems You May Have

Though the right product and technique can make self-catheterization more comfortable, there are still a few problems that can occur during the process.