Understanding Your Urological Needs

Catheter and urological supplies are essential medical devices that help millions of people manage bladder and urinary health conditions. Whether you're dealing with a temporary post-surgical situation or a long-term condition, understanding your options can make all the difference in your comfort and quality of life.

What catheter and urological supplies do you need?

• Intermittent catheters - Single-use catheters for periodic bladder emptying
• Indwelling (Foley) catheters - Long-term catheters that stay in place with a small balloon
• External catheters - Non-invasive condom-style catheters for men
• Drainage bags - Leg bags and bedside bags for urine collection
• Accessories - Lubricants, insertion trays, securement devices, and cleaning supplies

According to research from medical supply companies, the most common reasons people need these supplies include:

• Urinary retention - When the bladder doesn't empty completely
• Incontinence - Loss of bladder control
• Post-surgical recovery - Temporary need after certain procedures
• Neurological conditions - Such as spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis
• Prostate issues - Including enlarged prostate blocking normal flow

The catheter industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with manufacturers designing products that offer more comfort, convenience, and discretion than ever before. Medicare covers up to 200 catheters per month (increased from just 4 per month in 2009), and most insurance plans cover catheter supplies when medically necessary.

At Complete Care Medical, we've spent over 20 years helping customers choose catheter and urological supplies with personalized service and insurance expertise. Since founding Complete Care Medical in 2004, we've grown from serving fewer than 50 customers to over 50,000 nationwide, always focusing on getting people the right products with compassionate support.

A Guide to the Main Types of Urinary Catheters

A urinary catheter is simply a thin tube that allows your bladder to empty when it cannot do so on its own. It is inserted either through the urethra or, less commonly, through a surgically created suprapubic opening. Below is a concise overview of the three most common catheter styles. You can explore each option in detail through our in-depth resources: Everything You Need to Know About Urinary Catheters and What You Need to Know About the Different Types of Catheters.

Intermittent Catheters: Quick "In-and-Out" Drainage

• Single-use, sterile devices for self-catheterization every 4–6 hours.
• Hydrophilic or pre-lubricated versions make insertion smoother and reduce friction.
• Closed-system kits bundle catheter, bag, gloves, and wipes for maximum hygiene.
• Studies show markedly lower infection rates than with long-term indwelling catheters.
• Learn practical technique in Self-Catheterization: Dos and Don'ts for Ease and Success and review coverage details in Does Medicare Cover Intermittent Catheters?.

Indwelling (Foley) Catheters: Continuous Drainage

• Remain in place for up to 3–4 weeks; a small balloon keeps the tube from slipping out.
• Urethral or suprapubic placement is chosen based on comfort, mobility, and infection risk.
• Silicone is preferred for long-term wear and latex allergy avoidance; latex is reserved for short-term use.
• Proper daily care (cleaning, bag positioning, fluid intake) is vital—see Caring for Your Catheter: 5 Steps for Preventing Infection for a quick refresher.

External Catheters: A Non-Invasive Choice for Men

• Condom-style sleeve fits over the penis and connects to a leg or bedside bag.
• Ideal for male incontinence when the bladder still empties naturally.
• Self-adhering designs eliminate bulky tapes and lower skin irritation.
• Must be changed daily; correct sizing prevents leaks and circulation issues.
• First-time users can follow our Tips for First-Time External Male Catheter Users for a smooth start.

Essential Accessories for Catheter Care

The right add-ons keep catheter use hygienic, discreet, and trouble-free. Below is a streamlined checklist—see the full rundown in Urology Supplies You Should Always Have Available.

• Sterile lubricant packets
• Antiseptic wipes and gloves
• Leg and bedside drainage bags (if using a foley or external catheter)
• Securement devices (straps or adhesive pads)
• Waterproof tape and an extra underpad for travel

Drainage Bags: Leg vs. Bedside

• Leg bags (500–750 mL) hide under clothing and include anti-reflux valves. Usually used during the day.
• Bedside bags (about 2000 mL) hang from the bed or chair for worry-free overnight drainage.
• Gravity is the rule—keep any bag below bladder level.
• More care tips: Urinary Drainage and Leg Bag Care: What You Need to Know.

Insertion Trays, Lubricants, and Securement Devices

• Insertion trays bundle sterile gloves, wipes, lube, and an underpad—instant bedside "clean room."
• Single-use lubricant minimizes friction and tissue irritation.
• Securement devices prevent tugging that can lead to UTIs or accidental removal.
• Step-by-step instructions are available for men and women.

Making the Right Choice for Catheter and Urological Supplies

Work closely with your doctor—often a urologist—to match catheter type, size, and frequency to your exact condition and lifestyle. A current prescription is usually required for insurance billing.

Factors to discuss:

1. Medical necessity (retention, incontinence, post-surgery, etc.)
2. Manual dexterity and ability to self-catheterize
3. Daily activities—travel, sports, or limited mobility
4. Sensitivities to latex or certain lubricants
5. Quality supplies from a trusted provider

Complete Care Medical coordinates directly with your care team, ensuring you receive the correct items, not just what happens to be in stock. Learn more about specialist referrals in Why Would You Need to See a Urologist?.

Choosing the Correct Catheter: Size, Material, and Tip

Material	Flexibility	Allergy Risk
Silicone	Moderate	Low
Latex	High	Moderate
Vinyl	Low	Very Low

Sizing is based on the French (Fr) system, where higher numbers mean a wider tube. Common adult sizes are 12–18 Fr; pediatric sizes start at 6 Fr. Tip options include straight, coudé (curved), olive (rounded), and Tiemann (slight curve). Color-coding helps identify sizes quickly; see our guide Catheters: The Different Colors and What They Mean.

Navigating Costs and Insurance

Catheters and related supplies are classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Medicare now covers up to 200 intermittent catheters per month at 80% after your deductible. Private insurance generally follows suit but check plan specifics.

Complete Care Medical verifies benefits, secures authorizations, and ships supplies discreetly to your door, no pharmacy runs, no paperwork headaches. For detailed coverage advice, visit Does Medicare Cover Urological Supplies?.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catheter Care

For a deeper FAQ library, see The FAQs of Catheters and Dealing with Common Catheter Problems.

How do I prevent a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)?

1. Wash hands before and after any catheter contact.
2. Use sterile technique and single-use supplies.
3. Keep the insertion site clean and dry.
4. Always keep the drainage bag below bladder level.
5. Drink plenty of water.

Warning signs: burning, cloudy urine, fever, or pelvic pain—call your doctor quickly.

Can I shower or travel with a catheter?

• Showering: cover connections to keep them dry and check everything afterward.
• Travel: pack 50% more supplies than you expect to use, keep them in carry-on luggage, and bring a brief doctor’s letter for TSA.

See our detailed checklist in Tips for Traveling with a Catheter.

What should I do if my catheter gets blocked?

1. Look for kinks or twists in the tubing.
2. Confirm the bag is below bladder level.
3. Drink water and gently reposition the catheter.
4. No urine for 4+ hours, severe pain, or visible blood? Contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Never force the catheter or attempt irrigation unless trained.

Conclusion: Your Partner in Urological Health and Wellness

Navigating catheter and urological supplies might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right knowledge and support, you can confidently manage your urological health while maintaining your independence and quality of life.

Throughout this guide, we've explored the three main types of catheters and their unique benefits. Intermittent catheters offer the most natural approach to bladder management, allowing you to empty your bladder completely while maintaining normal activities between catheterizations. Indwelling Foley catheters provide continuous drainage for those with long-term needs, whether for chronic conditions or post-surgical recovery. External catheters give men a non-invasive solution for managing incontinence without the need for urethral insertion.

The importance of accessories cannot be overstated. Drainage bags, lubricants, securement devices, and insertion trays aren't just add-ons - they're essential components that ensure your catheter use is safe, comfortable, and discreet. The right accessories can make the difference between struggling with catheter care and confidently managing your daily routine.

Choosing the right supplier is just as crucial as selecting the right products. At Complete Care Medical, we've been serving customers since 2004, growing from fewer than 50 customers to over 50,000 nationwide. What sets us apart isn't just our size - it's our commitment to personalized service that treats every customer with respect, care, and attention to detail.

Our insurance navigation expertise means you can focus on your health while we handle the complex paperwork. We work with Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans to ensure you get the catheter and urological supplies you need with minimal out-of-pocket costs. We understand that dealing with insurance can be frustrating, so we take that burden off your shoulders.

Compassionate support is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that urological needs can be sensitive topics, and we provide discreet, professional service every step of the way. You're never just a number with Complete Care Medical, you're part of our family, and we're committed to supporting your health and wellness journey.

Whether you're in Houston, Texas, where we're headquartered, or anywhere across the United States, we're here to help you regain independence and confidence in managing your urological health. Our team doesn't just process orders, we provide knowledgeable support and ensure you receive the correct products for your specific needs.

Ready to take the next step? Visit our comprehensive resource to Learn more about urological supplies and care or contact our team today. We're here to answer your questions, verify your insurance coverage, and help you find the perfect catheter and urological supplies for your unique situation.

Your health and wellness journey doesn't have to be traveled alone. Complete Care Medical is positioned as your compassionate, knowledgeable, and customer-first partner, not just in urological health, but in your daily life. We're committed to improving your quality of life by making high-quality health products accessible, easy to obtain, and expertly supported.