Have you ever wondered whether you should throw away your intermittent catheters after you use them once? If so, you’re not the only one. At 180 Medical, we sometimes hear from customers who have been told that it’s fine to wash and reuse catheters. Some people think it’s a way to reduce their plastic use. However, there’s a very good reason why you may not want to risk washing and reusing your catheters!
Why You Shouldn’t Wash and Reuse Catheters: The Surprise Risk
UTIs (urinary tract infections) are a fairly common but painful ailment that affects many people. Odds are, you’ve experienced one at some point.
And when you reuse catheters, that may increase your risk of infection. Multiple tests in professional research settings indicate a risk of infection when reusing catheters. Even if researchers cleaned the catheters, the risk remained.
One laboratory test using PVC urethral catheters found that a full antibacterial washing method still failed to sanitize 67% of the catheters.
No matter your method of cleaning a catheter, pathogens and organisms, including E. coli, can be left behind, which may cause urinary tract infections.
Can I Wash and Reuse My Catheters?
The FDA recommends that intermittent catheters be used only as single-use devices.
This is why you will see a small symbol that looks like a 2 with a slash over it (pictured to the right) printed on every catheter package. You can find out all about the rest of the symbols on your catheter’s packaging and what they mean in this helpful blog.
According to researchers at UBC (University of British Columbia), the idea that you can reuse your catheter without risk to your health is not true.
A Vancouver clinician and professor of medicine at UBC, Dr. Andrei Krassioukov, pointed to his experience working at the Summer Paralympics in London. He found that athletes who used their intermittent catheters once and properly disposed of them had 3 to 4 times fewer UTIs than those who reused their catheters.
Urinary Tract Infections From Reusing Catheters
If you’ve ever experienced a UTI, you already know how painful and uncomfortable this type of infection can be. Doctors most commonly prescribe a round of antibiotics to treat this type of infection.
According to a recently published study, UTIs lead to over 7 million physician visits each year, and the financial costs associated with UTIs in the United States alone total around $1.6 billion annually.
Some of the most common symptoms of UTIs include:
- Smelly, cloudy, or bloody urine
- Chills
- Pain in the abdomen and back, or pain when urinating
- Burning sensation in the urethra
- Increased need to go to the restroom
- Urinary incontinence (inability to hold back your urine)
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit with your doctor as soon as possible so you can be treated before the symptoms progress.
When UTIs go untreated, the infection may spread upwards to the bladder and even into the kidneys. Kidney infections can be dangerous to the point of life-threatening symptoms that may require a trip to the emergency room and hospitalization.
This is why it’s crucial to treat UTIs as soon as possible and to practice proper cathing hygiene to potentially help reduce your risk of infection.
Where To Order Sterile Catheters Online
We understand that ordering intermittent catheters and researching catheter companies online can be daunting. At 180 Medical, we have over 20 years of experience in helping our customers find the right products for their needs, based on their prescription, insurance coverage, and preferences.
We’ll listen to your needs, preferences, and concerns, and we even provide helpful online instructions for learning how to self-cath.
When you order through 180 Medical, you can rest easy knowing we handle everything. We’ll even contact your doctor if your insurance requires additional documentation. We also offer free shipping right to your door.
Contact 180 Medical today to find the right catheter for you and start turning your life around!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Information provided on 180medical.com should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.
Sources: Kathleen Christison, Walter Matthias, Jean-Jacques J.M. Wyndaele, Michael Kennelly, Thomas M. Kessler, Vanessa K. Noonan, Fallah Nader, and Andrei V. Krassioukov. Journal of Neurotrauma. Apr 2018.
