A standard intermittent catheter has a straight tip. They come in a variety of materials; PVC, Red Rubber or latex as well as Silicone, for individuals with latex allergies.

This is an intermittent catheter with a curved tip. The angle of the tip allows for male patients to snake around strictures or pass an enlarged prostate. There are several types of Coude tip styles, including olive tip (a more bulbous tip), a Tiemann tip (this has an exaggerated angle) or standard Coude tip with a round ending at a basic curved angle.

These intermittent catheters have a coating on the outside of the product that reacts with water and becomes very slick for insertion. Often times this product will come with a water sachet or packet and will need to be broken before opening the package. Once the packet is broken, it is recommended to “see-saw” the package back and forth to fully lubricate the catheter. Other hydrophilic catheters will come pre-lubricated, meaning they are ready for insertion upon opening the package. Some pre-lubricated catheters are non-hydrophilic but are covered in a gel like, sterile lubricant that is ready-to-use upon opening.

These intermittent catheters are about the size of a cosmetic item, are pre-lubricated, and ready-to-use. They typically have shorter lengths than the usual lengths, 6” for females and 16” for males, but will reach the bladder and effectively drain for most people.

Closed System Catheters are available in a kit configuration. The closed system catheter kits provide everything you need to catheterize in a clean, sterile field. These catheter kits will typically come with your Closed System Catheter, an Underpad, a pair of Exam Gloves, Swab Sticks and/or other sterilization wipes.