What Are Urological Products?

What are Urological Products?

Urological problems can come from kidney issues, bladder infections, certain types of cancers, pelvic floor problems, and much more. If you find yourself facing any sort of urological problem, you should talk with your doctor or healthcare provider to find out what sort of urological products can help you. Common products to help with urological issues include catheters, urine bags, and urological trays, among others.

Catheters

Most patients who suffer from either chronic or acute urological issues will need to consider catheterization at some point. A catheter is a special tube inserted into the body to allow urine to drain freely from the bladder. The process is unfortunately not without pain or discomfort, but it can be a blessing to those who are unable to urinate or who have painful urination. Modern medical technology has done wonders to make catheterization less painful, from creating pre-lubricated intermittent catheters to improving the efficiency of the process. Many urological products help make inserting and removing a catheter easier for the patient who is experiencing the urinary problem.

Intermittent Catheters

In years past, people who needed catheterization had to stay in a hospital or other medical environment to get it done. That makes intermittent catheters one of the most important medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. Intermittent catheters allow people to use a catheter at home, either alone or with the help of a caregiver. The catheter tube is lubricated to provide a minimal level of pain and discomfort. While some medical problems require a catheter to be inserted continuously, intermittent catheters work for more common problems that allow the catheter to be removed and re-inserted. Many medical supply companies offer pre-lubricated intermittent catheters, which speed up the insertion process and increase the comfort level.

Closed System Catheters

Another problem of the past that has improved over time is the fact that people who use a catheter often find themselves unable to live a mobile lifestyle due to the need to void into a receptacle, which creates awkward situations outside of the home. To combat this problem, closed system intermittent catheters are pre-lubricated catheters that come with their own collection bag. These catheters are also known as no-touch catheters, as a user’s fingers never touch the catheter tube. Closed system intermittent catheters are all-in-one systems that reduce the risk of spillage and infection. Because they are portable, they allow people using catheters to live a more active, on-the-go lifestyle despite medical ailments.

Indwelling Catheters

If you have a chronic bladder problem or one that requires long-term care, you may need to think about options for indwelling catheters. These catheters are inserted into your body and drain urine into urine bags which remain external. Indwelling catheters usually require a surgical procedure for insertion and always require careful cleaning and maintenance. The biggest danger from indwelling catheters is the risk of infection. For that reason, you will receive instructions of how to clean the area around the catheter and your own skin. As long as indwelling catheters receive the proper care, they will function properly and keep the risk of infection to a minimum.

Male External Catheters

All of these catheter options are designed to control the flow of urine out of the bladder and minimize discomfort and embarrassment. In the case of male external catheters, the catheter comes not as a tube but rather as a sheath. Also known as condom catheters, male external catheters fit over the penis not unlike a condom. They are ideally suited toward helping people who suffer from urinary incontinence, as the catheter catches the urine as it leaks out. Male external catheters require care and maintenance to make sure that the seal remains tight, but otherwise serve as an excellent option for those who need the benefits of a catheter but who don’t want to deal with the invasive procedures associated with traditional tube catheters or indwelling catheters.

Urine Bags

Almost every kind of catheter requires urine bags in order to collect the urine. The best urine bags are designed with three key features in mind: durability, concealment, and ease of drainage. All bags need to be durable, because even those who are bedridden are likely to jostle or bump the bag in some way. Once a urine bag gets torn, there is nothing to do but clean up a very unfortunate mess. As catheters become easier to use in work or social settings, concealment becomes more important. People who move with a catheter want to be able to use the device properly without calling attention to the fact that they have a urine bag on their person. Finally, ease of drainage helps to avoid getting skin or clothes splashed with urine. Not only is that a matter of cleanliness, but convenient drainage can also prevent infections.

Urological Trays

Finally, urological trays are kits that supply everything a person needs in order to effectively use a catheter and other urological products. Also known as catheterization kits, urological trays are disposable trays which include lubricants, swabs, gloves, syringes, underpads, and collection devices for use with catheters. These trays come sealed for protection, and it is very important that you check the seal on all products before using them. Urological trays are ideal for people who don’t have a home health care setup that offers them extensive tools for use with catheters. You can pick up a tray at the same time that you receive your catheter and use it to minimize discomfort during use while maximizing the product’s efficacy.

Urological disorders affect millions of people around the world. Fortunately, high-quality urological products are being designed and improved to make the discomfort and pain traditionally associated with catheters and their accessories a thing of the past. With the right products, there is no reason why you can’t lead an active and productive lifestyle even with a catheter in place. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about what sort of catheter will work best for your needs and what kind of bags and urological trays will help.