A urinary catheter is a flexible, hollow tube designed to drain urine from the bladder. It collects urine when individuals cannot empty their bladder due to medical conditions, surgeries, or diagnostic needs.
Understanding Female Anatomy
The pathway for a female urinary catheter is the urethra, a tube that extends from the bladder to the outside of the body. In females, the urethra is relatively short, measuring about 3 to 4 centimeters (approximately 1.5 inches) in length. This tube opens externally at the urethral meatus, which is a small opening located within the vulva.
The urethral meatus is positioned between other external female anatomical structures. It sits anterior (in front) to the vaginal opening and posterior (behind) to the clitoris. To locate it, one finds it within the vestibule, the area enclosed by the labia minora.
Different Types and Uses
Urinary catheters come in several designs, each suited for particular medical needs in females.
One common type is the intermittent catheter, which is a temporary device inserted to empty the bladder and then immediately removed. These are often used multiple times daily by individuals who can perform self-catheterization, providing a flexible way to manage bladder function and prevent urine retention.
Another widely used type is the indwelling catheter, often known as a Foley catheter. This catheter remains in the bladder for an extended period, continuously draining urine into a collection bag. A small balloon at its tip is inflated with sterile water once inside the bladder, securing it in place. Indwelling catheters are used for continuous drainage, such as after surgery or during serious illness.
External catheters, sometimes called female urinary pouches or wicks, represent a non-invasive alternative for managing incontinence. These devices fit externally against the urethral area to collect urine, rather than being inserted into the urethra. External catheters are comfortable and carry a lower risk of urinary tract infections compared to indwelling catheters.
The Catheterization Procedure
The process of inserting a female urinary catheter requires careful technique and strict hygiene to prevent infection. The individual is positioned to allow clear visualization of the urethral opening, often lying on their back with knees bent and spread. The genital area is then thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution, wiping from front to back to reduce contamination risks.
After preparing the area, a lubricated catheter is gently inserted into the urethral meatus. The catheter is advanced slowly, about 5 to 7.5 centimeters (2 to 3 inches), until urine begins to flow, indicating it has reached the bladder. For indwelling catheters, an additional 1 to 2 centimeters (0.5 to 1 inch) may be advanced, and then the balloon at the tip is inflated to hold it in place. During insertion, individuals may feel a sensation of pressure or a slight burning, but it should not be intensely painful. Healthcare professionals, such as nurses or doctors, perform catheterization, but some individuals are trained to perform self-catheterization at home.