ABC Medical's
Blog for
Urology & Ostomy Care

Patients with conditions that can cause urinary incontinence—such as prostate cancer, spinal cord injuries, or urological trauma—have a lot of choices to make regarding catheter use.

Should I do intermittent cathing? Or get an indwelling catheter? What’s the difference? And what the heck is a French size?

From tried-and-true products to innovative designs for athletic and on-the-go lifestyles, catheter options are seemingly endless. Getting the best fit and style starts with learning the right words to describe the products you need.

In today’s article we will review 5 important things to discuss with your doctor regarding prostate cancer. Before we do that, let’s do a quick review of what the prostate is. The prostate gland is located below the bladder, is about the size of a walnut, and your urethra passes through it. The prostate is essential for reproduction, as it produces fluid that helps transport and protect sperm cells. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the prostate gland, creating tumors. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States for men but highly treatable when caught in the early stages.

Approximately 13% of men in the United States will get prostate cancer during their lifetime. Genetics and age play a large part in those statistics, but lifestyle choices may also impact risk. In this article, we are going to share 10 ways you can help reduce your risk of Prostate Cancer. Certain lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of developing more aggressive forms of prostate cancer, and may bring improved outcomes for individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. Keep reading to learn more about the things you can do to help lower your risk of cancer and live a longer and healthier life.

If you have had ostomy surgery, you may be wondering, or even concerned, about what it will be like to return to work with a stoma. Take heart in knowing that many people successfully work with an ostomy. There is a good chance you have met someone who is doing just that – you just didn’t realize they had a stoma. People with stomas work in every type of job imaginable, from offices to hospitals, to construction sites to public transportation. With a little planning and the proper supplies, the vast majority of workers should be able to confidently return to the job and resume their usual activities.

Medical technology is always evolving. Catheters are no exception. Most catheter users are familiar with the concept of applying lubricant to a catheter prior to insertion; however, there is another type of catheter available that self-lubricates and eliminates the need for added lubricant. This type of catheter is called a hydrophilic catheter.

As a user of intermittent catheters, you may be wondering how frequently to empty your bladder. Additionally, if you have an underlying condition such as spinal cord injury or other forms of nerve damage, you may have reduced sensation and not “feel” the urge to urinate. In these situations, your healthcare provider may recommend a cathing schedule. Today we will discuss the benefits of adhering to a catheterization schedule and some tips to help you get started and stay on track.

In this article, we will provide you with resources that can offer exceptional education and support to individuals living with an ostomy.

Urine drainage bags are, simply stated, storage bags that collect urine for individuals who cannot urinate on their own. They are typically used with catheter supplies such as Foley catheters, external catheters (condom catheters), urostomy pouches, or nephrostomy tubes. The urine drainage bag attaches to the urinary device with flexible tubing. Drainage bags are then emptied as needed into the toilet or another receptacle.

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.