An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects up to 50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60. It’s also a common cause of urinary retention, which is the inability to fully empty the bladder.
The prostate is a male gland responsible to adding fluid to semen. It’s located close to the urethra, which carries urine out of your bladder. The prostate often increases in size as men get older. If it gets too big due to BPH, it can pinch the urethra, keeping urine from flowing out and weakening the bladder over time.
If you’ve been diagnosed with BPH, your doctor may prescribe a catheter to help empty your bladder, which can be a welcome, pain-free solution for many Because BPH can create curves in the urethra, making it difficult for a typical straight-tipped catheter to pass, you may need a catheter with a coudé tip.
Coudé tip catheters have a slight bend at the tip, allowing for easier, less painful navigation around obstacles. Here are some reasons why a coudé tip catheter might be right for you.
Related Reading: 12 Ways to Promote Bladder Health if Using a Catheter
1. Bypassing Prostatic Obstruction
Coudé tip catheters have a curved or bent tip that can navigate past the obstructive prostate more easily than straight-tipped catheters. This design helps access the bladder through the narrowed passages of the urethra without causing pain or discomfort.
2. Improved Comfort
Due to their design, coudé tip catheters may alleviate discomfort during insertion and removal compared to straight catheters, especially in cases where there is significant resistance in the urethra.
Without a coudé tip catheter, you could run the risk of hurting or even tearing your urethral passages when trying to navigate obstructions. In severe cases, this can lead to the creation of false passages, or perforations in the urethral wall. A coudé tip catheter allows for easy access while limiting the possibility of trauma.
3. Better Control and Precision
The curved tip allows for better control and precision during insertion, which can help people with anatomical challenges, such as strictures—scarring that narrows the urethra. It can also be helpful for people with sensitive or fragile urethral tissues, as it may cause less irritation and reduce the risk of injury during insertion and removal.
Related Reading: Tips for Using Intermittent Catheters While Traveling
What Type of Coudé Catheter Should You Choose?
There are three main types of coudé tips:
- Tapered tip catheter: The standard type of coudé catheter has a short, strong curve at the insertion point.
- Olive tip catheter: This type of catheter has a ball on the end and isn’t used as frequently as the other two types. It may be recommended to those healing from previous injuries.
- Tiemann catheter: These catheters have long, tapered curves and are more flexible, allowing for easier use.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, you may be prescribed urinary catheters. While this can be daunting, ensuring you are using the correct catheter for your diagnosis will help keep any pain or discomfort to a minimum. Be sure to discuss all options with your doctor so you can find the best option for your medical needs. If you have questions about using a coudé tip, you can reach out to the ABC Medical team with your inquiries.
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Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please speak with your healthcare provider.
Sources:
“Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Sept. 2014, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia.
Urinary Catheters: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003981.htm
Bianchi, Alexa. “Difficult Foley Catheterization.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 May 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564404/.
