No single catheter brand or type works for everyone. Intermittent urinary catheters come in different lengths, sizes, tip styles (straight and coudé), materials, and packaging options to meet a wide range of needs and preferences. This guide is here to help you understand the different types of catheters to make it easier to talk with your healthcare provider, compare your insurance-covered options, and find an intermittent catheter that works well for you and your daily routine.
Although urinary catheters include indwelling (Foley) and external options, this guide focuses on the different types of intermittent catheters to empty the bladder.
What Is an Intermittent Catheter?
An intermittent catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra or a catheterizable stoma to drain urine. Once the bladder is empty, the catheter can be removed and thrown away.
Intermittent catheterization may be prescribed when a person cannot fully empty their bladder on their own. Your healthcare provider will let you know how often to cath and prescribe the French size, length, and tip style that’s right for you.
Based on your provider’s recommendations and your insurance plan, you may be able to choose from several different catheter options. It’s our goal to help you find the right catheter that feels easiest to use and carry for your unique needs.
What Are the Different Types of Intermittent Catheters?
The main types of intermittent catheters include:
- Uncoated catheters (also called straight catheters)
- Pre-lubricated catheters
- Hydrophilic catheters
- Closed system catheters and catheter kits with insertion supplies
These categories describe basically how an intermittent catheter is prepared and used. Other terms describe other catheter features, such as straight tip, coudé tip, male length, female length, pediatric length, and pocket catheters.
This means that one catheter product may fit into several categories. For example, a catheter can be hydrophilic, coudé tip, male length, and a pocket catheter at the same time.
Uncoated Intermittent Catheters
Uncoated catheters, also known as straight catheters or straight caths, are traditional single-use catheters that require the application of lubricating jelly before insertion.
Also sometimes called straight catheters or straight caths, uncoated catheters may be available with either a straight insertion tip or a curved coudé tip.
Most uncoated catheters have one or more drainage holes, or catheter eyelets, near the insertion tip. Once the catheter reaches the bladder, urine flows through these eyelets and then drains out through the opposite funnel end.
Many uncoated straight catheters have a color-coded funnel end that helps identify the size using a universal color-coding system for catheter French sizes. This funnel end also helps direct urine flow into a toilet, urinal, or a collection bag. Some are available without a funnel, which is known as a luer-end catheter.
Potential Benefits of an Uncoated Catheter
- Simple, familiar design
- May be more cost-effective for some, depending on insurance coverage
- Widely covered by many insurance plans
- Allows you to control the amount of lubricant applied
- Available in many lengths, sizes, materials, tip styles, and some pocket catheter options
Because lubricant must be applied separately, these catheters require an additional step in preparation than ready-to-use catheter options.
180 Medical also carries travel-sized pocket catheters in discreet curved or U-shaped packaging.
Pre-Lubricated Catheters
Pre-lubricated catheters come with lubricating gel already applied, so there’s no need to carry or apply separate catheter jelly before insertion.
Depending on the product, the catheter may be housed within a protective sleeve or have a guide or gripper that can make the catheter easier to handle without direct hand contact on the tube.
Potential Benefits of Pre-Lubricated Catheters
- Less preparation
- Ready-to-use convenience
- Reduced hand contact with the catheter tube
- No need to carry separate lubricating jelly with you
- Easy to use while away from home
Explore Pre-Lubricated Catheters
Hydrophilic Catheters
Hydrophilic intermittent catheters have a special surface coating or properties that become smooth and slippery when activated by sterile water or saline. This creates a low-friction surface similar to lubrication, but without the need to manually apply lubricating jelly.
Some hydrophilic catheters include a sterile water packet inside the package. Pressing the packet releases the water and activates the coating before use. Other options come pre-hydrated and ready to use as soon as the package is opened.
Like other intermittent catheters, hydrophilic products are available in different lengths, sizes, tip styles, and packaging options.
Potential Benefits of Hydrophilic Catheters
- Smooth, evenly lubricated surface
- No need to apply separate catheter lubricant
- Less mess during preparation and catheterization
- Ready-to-use or easy-to-activate options available at 180 Medical
- Protective sleeves or handling aids to reduce hand contact on certain products
- Compact options for travel and discreet use
Closed System Catheters and Catheter Kits
Closed system catheters are intermittent catheters housed within their own self-contained collection bags. Urine drains directly into the attached bag, which can be convenient when a toilet is not readily available. Thanks to their ease of use, frequent travelers and people who use wheelchairs often prefer closed system catheter kits.
Most closed systems are ready to use and touch-free. Many also feature a protective introducer tip designed to help the catheter bypass the first portion of the urethra during insertion, which may help bypass higher concentrations of bacteria.
Some closed systems are pre-lubricated with gel, while others may have a hydrophilic coating that needs to be activated before insertion. The attached or integrated collection bag is what makes them closed system catheters.
Closed system catheter kits may also include insertion supplies, such as a pair of gloves, antiseptic wipes like BZK, an underpad or drape, and other accessories. Kit contents vary by brand and product.
Potential Benefits of Closed System Catheters
- Great for traveling or just cathing away from home during the day
- May be ideal for people who use a wheelchair, so there’s less need to transfer to a toilet during catheterization
- Integrated collection bag for a touch-free or no-touch catheterization
- Ready-to-use or easy-to-activate options available at 180 Medical
- May include insertion supplies, all in one handy package
Insurance coverage for closed system catheters may require specific medical documentation. 180 Medical’s specialists can verify your insurance and coordinate with your healthcare provider to get any necessary documentation or authorization your plan may require.
Compare the Main Types of Intermittent Catheters
| Catheter Type | Preparation | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Uncoated (Straight) | Separate lubricant must be applied before use | Traditional cost-effective design, a wide variety of sizes and materials |
| Pre-Lubricated | Lubricant gel is already applied | May include protective handling features, ready to use |
| Hydrophilic | Water-activated or pre-hydrated coating/properties | Smooth, slippery coating; no separate catheter lubricant required |
| Closed System | Pre-lubricated or hydrophilic options available | Integrated collection bag, pre-lubricated introducer tips, touch-free features, may include a kit of insertion supplies in some products |
Product features may vary by brand and catheter model.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for how to use your catheter and how often to cath per day. 180 Medical can also provide helpful, easy-to-follow instructions for learning how to cath with your first order, or you can explore our collection of video guides and downloadable instructions at HowToCath.com today!
Other Catheter Features to Consider
The coating or preparation method is just one part of choosing the right intermittent catheter for you. Urinary catheters are also available with different tip styles, lengths, sizes, materials, and packaging options.
Straight vs. Coudé Tip Catheter
All intermittent catheter types will have either a straight or coudé (curved) insertion tip.
A straight tip catheter has a standard, rounded insertion tip without a bend or curve. It’s the most commonly used catheter tip design.
A coudé tip catheter has a slightly curved insertion tip. This curve may help some users who cannot insert a straight tip in navigating certain areas of resistance, which may sometimes be caused by an enlarged prostate, urethral scarring or narrowing, or other anatomical challenges.
| Straight Tip | Coudé Tip |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Only your prescribing healthcare provider, such as your urologist, can determine if you need a coudé tip catheter instead of a standard straight tip.
Different Catheter Lengths
All intermittent catheter types come in three average lengths, depending on the product and brand, to accommodate different anatomies.
- Male-length catheters are usually the longest option because the adult male urethra is longer. Depending on the product, they average around 16 inches.
- Female-length catheters are shorter because the female urethra is shorter. Many options are designed with discreet, compact packaging to fit more easily into a pocket, purse, or bag for carrying. These average around 6 inches, although shorter and longer options exist, depending on the brand and product.
- Pediatric-length catheters are shorter and designed for children with smaller anatomies. They are available in smaller French sizes, typically, as well.
Catheter length should be based on the user’s anatomy and their healthcare provider’s prescription.
What About Pocket and Travel Catheters?
Pocket catheters are compact catheters designed for easy portability and privacy. They typically feature discreet designs or smaller packaging.
Travel-sized catheters are available in options for men, women, and children. They may be uncoated, pre-lubricated, hydrophilic, or a closed system catheter.
Typically, pocket catheter packaging does not change the catheter’s prescribed length once it is removed from the package for use. It just allows the product to take up less space for easier carrying.
Which Catheter Type is Right for Me?
The decision about what type and size of intermittent catheters to use should be made with your prescribing healthcare provider.
Within the requirements of your prescription and insurance allowables, you may be able to compare options based on:
- Comfort during insertion and removal
- Hand strength and dexterity
- Lubrication or preparation preferences
- Whether you catheterize primarily at home or travel frequently
Sometimes, the first catheter you try isn’t necessarily the right one for you. Trying out free samples may help you compare to find what feels and works best for your needs and everyday routine.
At 180 Medical, we recognize that you are a unique individual with unique needs. Our catheter experts will take all of that into account as they tailor your catheter supply order based on your doctor’s prescription, your insurance plan’s coverage, and your preferences. Together, we can find the right catheter from one of the many brands we carry, such as BD, Coloplast, Cure, GentleCath, Hollister, LoFric, Rusch, and more.
Contact us at 180 Medical to start receiving the right catheters with caring, personalized service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catheter Types
What are the main types of intermittent catheters?
The main types are:
- Uncoated (straight) catheters
- Pre-lubricated
- Hydrophilic
- Closed system catheter kits
Is a straight catheter an uncoated catheter?
The term “straight catheter” refers to a traditional, uncoated intermittent catheter.
However, straight may also sometimes describe the catheter’s insertion tip. But not all straight-tip catheters are uncoated. Hydrophilic, pre-lubricated, and closed system catheters also have straight or coudé tip options.
Are touch-free and no-touch catheters the same thing?
The terms “touch-free,” “no-touch,” or even “touchless” are used to describe catheters with features that help reduce direct hand contact with the catheter tube. Depending on the product, this may be a full protective sleeve, a guide or handle, or an insertion grip.
Are pre-lubricated and hydrophilic catheters the same thing?
While hydrophilic and pre-lubricated catheters are both convenient options, they’re not exactly the same. Pre-lubricated catheters are coated with a lubricating gel, while hydrophilic catheters use a water-activated coating, surface, or properties to become lubricated.
Can I switch to a different catheter type or brand?
In some cases, you may be able to switch or try a different catheter brand or type, although this depends on your prescription, insurance coverage, and current documentation.
If you’d like to switch, talk to your healthcare provider and 180 Medical to ensure the new product you’re interested in trying meets your prescribed requirements.
We’re happy to help you explore your covered options. Reach out to us to request free samples, and we’ll coordinate with your provider to get any needed documentation or prescription.
Disclaimer: Content provided on 180medical.com is for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Product and sample availability may vary based on your insurance plan, prescription, and other requirements. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.
