A foley catheter, which is used by people with urinary retention who cannot empty their bladder on their own, is a flexible tube placed into the bladder to allow urine to drain into a collection bag. They are typically used when other methods of drainage have been unsuccessful, such as intermittent catheterization, surgical procedures, or medicines to restore urine flow. Foley catheters may also be used in patients who are very ill as a means of keeping them clean and dry. While foley catheters are not appropriate everyone, they serve an important purpose for many patients with urinary issues. Today we will explain how foley catheters work, along with best practices for caring for foley catheters at home.

Having a spinal cord injury (SCI) can put you at increased risk for skin problems. One of the most serious skin complications is known as a pressure injury. Pressure injuries, also called pressure ulcers or bedsores, are wounds on the skin from unrelieved pressure due to prolonged immobility and shearing forces from sliding across surfaces. Pressure injuries result from a lack of blood flow when soft tissues are compressed between bony prominences and external surfaces such as a wheelchair or bed. The lack of blood flow damages the tissue and can cause it to die from insufficient oxygen. If enough damage is done, a wound will occur. A pressure injury can occur in as little as 2 hours of unrelieved tissue pressure.

The urinary tract performs many functions in the body. It controls levels of fluids and electrolytes, filters toxins from the blood, regulates blood pressure, and provides an internal storage space for urine. People who use catheters live with conditions that impact the urinary tract system. Keeping the bladder healthy is especially important in these situations. In this article, we will discuss 12 things you can do to promote bladder health and keep your urinary tract in good condition.

Learning that you will undergo ostomy surgery can be overwhelming. You may have questions about what to expect before, during, and after surgery. You may wonder where you can turn for additional education and support. While your medical team should always be your first resource, apps can be a useful tool for people wanting to understand more about ostomy surgery and stoma care.

As a parent of a child who requires urinary catheterization, it is understandable that you might feel some anxiety around when and how to empower your child to use a catheter on their own. But rest assured, this is a journey that many, many children have successfully navigated before on their way to a more independent life. Part of normal child development is an ever-increasing desire for independence, including ‘owning’ their health regimen.

For those who are new to using catheters, it might come as a surprise just how many types of catheters and catheter brands are on the market. In addition to catheters designed specifically for males, females and even children, there are other options available, such as coated and uncoated catheters, catheters for enlarged prostates, and advanced products such as closed system catheters. In this article we’ll focus on closed system catheters, explaining their design and benefits, and then also what qualifies individuals to receive closed system catheters under Medicare guidelines.

As a Medicare beneficiary, you may have questions about insurance coverage of your intermittent catheters. Intermittent catheters are covered by Medicare once certain criteria are met. In today’s article, we will discuss exactly what is needed to obtain Medicare coverage of your catheters.

If you have been diagnosed with urinary retention, your doctor may have told you to use intermittent catheters to empty your bladder. Minimizing trauma to the body during insertion is important and may reduce the risk of adverse event.^[1] Making the catheter slippery prior to insertion is key to minimizing trauma and having comfortable catheterization experience.^[1] There are two general options to choose from when deciding how you want to prepare the catheter and make it slippery: hydrophilic catheters and uncoated catheters.

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Many individuals will develop an enlarged prostate during their lifetime, typically after age 50. Today we will discuss some things you can do at home that may help reduce symptoms of BPH and manage the condition.