Urological supplies are medical devices and consumables used to manage conditions affecting the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). They are required by individuals experiencing urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder fully) or urinary incontinence (involuntary loss of urine). The goal of these supplies is to ensure effective urine drainage, manage leakage, and maintain user health and comfort. Users often have chronic neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, or are recovering from urological surgery or managing an enlarged prostate.
Catheterization Systems
Catheters are flexible tubes inserted into the bladder to allow urine to drain when the body cannot void naturally. The system chosen depends on the duration of use and the patient’s ability to manage their care.
Indwelling catheters (Foley catheters) are designed for continuous bladder drainage and remain in place long-term. They are secured inside the bladder by inflating a small balloon with sterile water to prevent dislodgement. Made from materials like silicone or latex, they are primarily used in hospital settings or for long-term care when a patient has limited mobility.
Intermittent catheters are single-use devices inserted only long enough to empty the bladder and then immediately removed. This method is preferred for self-catheterization because it mimics the body’s natural voiding cycle and may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Many feature a hydrophilic coating that reduces friction against the urethral lining during insertion and removal.
The third type is the external catheter, often called a condom catheter, primarily used by men. This non-invasive device consists of a sheath that fits over the penis and connects to a drainage bag, collecting urine externally. External catheters are used exclusively for managing urinary incontinence and are a less invasive alternative for patients with preserved bladder function.
Urine Management and Collection Devices
Devices for urine management safely store and transport urine that has drained through a catheter system. They are selected based on the user’s activity level and the time of day.
Leg bags are smaller, discreet collection pouches secured to the user’s thigh or calf. Intended for daytime use, they allow greater mobility and typically hold 500 to 750 milliliters. They often include an anti-reflux valve to prevent urine from flowing back toward the bladder, minimizing the risk of infection.
For extended periods of rest, such as overnight, a larger bedside drainage bag is used to accommodate a greater volume of urine. These high-capacity bags can hold up to 2,000 milliliters and hang from the bed frame, ensuring a continuous, gravity-fed flow. Securing accessories, such as adhesive patches and stabilizing devices, are used to hold the catheter in a fixed position and prevent tubing kinking.
Incontinence Management and Protective Products
For individuals managing urinary leakage without a catheter, absorbent and protective products maintain hygiene and skin health through passive collection and containment.
Absorbent products include pads, liners, protective underwear, and full adult briefs, designed for varying absorbency levels. They contain a super-absorbent polymer core that rapidly turns liquid urine into a gel, locking moisture away from the skin. This mechanism prevents moisture-associated skin damage and protects clothing.
Specialized skin care items protect against Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD), an irritation caused by prolonged exposure to urine. pH-balanced, no-rinse cleansers gently remove waste without disrupting the skin’s natural acid mantle.
Following cleansing, barrier creams or ointments are applied to create a physical shield between the skin and moisture. Ingredients like zinc oxide or dimethicone form a water-repellent layer that protects the skin. Disposable bed pads or underpads are also used to protect furniture and bedding against accidental leakage.