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Understanding Urinary Catheters: Purpose, Types, Uses, and Care
Urinary catheters play an essential role in modern healthcare by helping individuals who are unable to urinate naturally due to medical conditions, injuries, or surgical procedures. These thin, flexible tubes drain urine from the bladder, ensuring patient comfort, preventing complications, and supporting recovery. While commonly associated with hospital settings, urinary catheters are also used in long-term home care, rehabilitation centers, and emergency medicine.
A urinary catheter is typically recommended when the bladder cannot empty on its own. This may happen due to nerve-related bladder dysfunction, prostate enlargement, spinal cord injuries, post-operative recovery, or severe urinary retention. By providing a controlled way to release urine, the device reduces pressure on the bladder and kidneys, lowering the risk of organ damage or infection.
There are several types of urinary catheters, each designed for specific needs. Foley catheters, also called indwelling catheters, remain in the…