Female Catheters Used in Gynecological Scenarios

After gynecological procedures or surgeries, a female patient may need to use a female catheter to drain urine from her bladder. The female reproductive and urinary systems have a close relationship, which is how the use of female catheters arises. In particular, the needs to use female catheters arise in the following cases or scenarios. In addition, it is also necessary to describe female catheter procedure, that is, the procedure for using catheters in a female patient during or after gynecological procedures or surgeries

Gynecological Scenarios Requiring Catheter Use

1) Post-Surgical Management in Gynecological Surgeries

 

After certain gynecological surgeries, such as hysterectomies (removal of the uterus), surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse, or ovarian surgeries, urinary catheters are often inserted to monitor urine output and allow the bladder to heal without strain.

 

Surgical interventions on the reproductive organs can cause temporary changes in bladder function or put pressure on the bladder and urethra. A urinary catheter helps manage these issues by ensuring proper drainage during recovery.

2) During Childbirth

A urinary catheter is often inserted during or after labor, particularly in cases of epidural anesthesia, prolonged labor, or cesarean sections. Epidurals can numb the lower body, making it difficult for the mother to feel the urge to urinate, necessitating the use of a catheter.

 

The urinary system may be affected during childbirth due to physical strain or the effects of anesthesia. Inserting a catheter ensures that the bladder remains empty, reducing the risk of urinary retention or bladder injury.

 

3) Management of Bladder Function in Pelvic Floor Disorders

 

Conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence (common gynecological issues) often require a urinary catheter for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A catheter may be used to drain urine if pelvic organs are pressing on the bladder, or to evaluate bladder function in procedures like urodynamics.

 

The bladder is closely anatomically related to the uterus and vagina, and disorders affecting the pelvic floor can impact bladder function. Urinary catheters help manage or assess these dysfunctions.

 

4) Intraoperative Catheter Use in Gynecological Procedures

 

During gynecological surgeries like laparoscopy, oophorectomy, or endometriosis treatment, a urinary catheter may be inserted to keep the bladder empty and reduce the risk of injury during surgery. Keeping the bladder deflated also allows for better visualization of pelvic organs.

 

The proximity of the urinary and reproductive organs in the pelvic area means that a full bladder can interfere with gynecological surgery or increase the risk of accidental injury.

 

5) Gynecological Cancer Management

 

In patients with cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer, urinary catheters may be used during radiation therapy or after tumor removal surgeries to monitor urine output and prevent urinary complications.

 

Gynecological cancers, particularly those affecting the cervix and uterus, are located near the bladder, and treatments may involve urinary catheterization for management or postoperative care.

 

We have described the scenarios or cases in which catheters may be used to provide their functions in the above passages. The next important question is how are they actually used in a female patient.

 

Procedure for Using Female Catheters

 

What Is a Female Catheter and Its Types

 

A. What a Female Catheter Is

 

A female catheter is a thin, flexible tube inserted into a woman's urethra to drain urine from the bladder. Catheters are commonly used when a woman is unable to empty her bladder naturally or requires urinary drainage during certain medical conditions or procedures. Female catheters are typically shorter than male catheters because the female urethra is shorter.

 

B. Types of Female Catheters

 

1) Female Intermittent Catheters

 

Female Intermittent Catheters are used to drain the bladder intermittently. They are inserted into the urethra and removed after the bladder is emptied. They are not left in place.

 

Common Uses:

 

Temporary bladder drainage

 

Self-catheterization for women with urinary retention

 

Bladder tests or urodynamic studies

 

This type of catheter is most commonly and frequently used. If you want to see the actual thing, you can have a view at a website such as this: www.bevermedical.com

 

Female intermittent catheters from Hangzhou Bever Medical Device

 

2) Indwelling Catheter (Foley Catheter)

 

Description: An indwelling catheter, also known as a Foley catheter, is a tube that is inserted into the bladder and remains in place for a prolonged period. It has a small balloon at the tip that is inflated to keep the catheter from slipping out of the bladder.

 

Common Uses:

 

Long-term bladder management

 

Post-surgery (e.g., after hysterectomy or pelvic surgery)

 

During labor and delivery (e.g., during a C-section)

 

Female Catheter Procedure

 

We now know what a female catheter is and its various types available for female patients. Let’s move on to female catheter procedure, that is, what is the procedure for using catheters in a female patient.

 

1) Choose the right type of catheter for the female patient

 

If there is a need to use the catheter on an as-needed basis, choose the intermittent catheter. If the female patient needs to use it continuously, choose the indwelling catheter (also called Foley catheter)

 

2) Urine catheter size for female

 

At this step we need to select the correct size of catheter for the female patient.

 

A. Foley Catheter Size Female

 

For females, the size of a Foley catheter is typically selected based on the individual's anatomy and the clinical scenario. The size of catheters is measured using the French scale (Fr), where a higher number indicates a larger diameter.

 

Common Foley Catheter Sizes for Females:

 

Standard Sizes: 14 Fr to 16 Fr are the most commonly used sizes for adult women. These sizes are sufficient for normal urine drainage and are comfortable for most patients.

 

Larger Sizes: 18 Fr to 20 Fr: These sizes may be used for women with larger urethras or when there is a need to drain thicker fluids, such as in cases of blood clots after surgery.

 

Smaller Sizes: 10 Fr to 12 Fr. These sizes are generally used for women with narrow urethras, pediatric patients, or when less invasive drainage is required.

 

B. Intermittent Catheter size for Female

 

Standard Sizes: 12 Fr to 14 Fr. These are the most commonly used sizes for adult women. They provide a good balance between effective urine drainage and patient comfort.

 

Smaller Sizes: 8 Fr to 10 Fr. These smaller sizes are used for women with narrower urethras or when less invasive drainage is required, such as in pediatric or elderly patients.

 

Larger Sizes: 16 Fr to 18 Fr. These sizes are sometimes used when faster drainage is needed, or in cases of urinary retention with thicker urine, blood clots, or other complications.

 

3) Insertion of the Catheter

 

A. How to Find Female Urethra for Catheter

 

The female urethra is located just above the vaginal opening and below the clitoris.

 

The urethral opening is a small hole located between the clitoris (at the top) and the vaginal opening (below). It may be slightly less visible than the other structures, so you may need to look carefully.

 

B. Perform hand hygiene thoroughly. Put on sterile gloves to maintain sterility throughout the procedure.

 

C. Clean the Genital Area

 

Use antiseptic wipes or a cleaning solution to clean the labia and the area around the urethral opening.

 

D. Insert the Catheter

 

With your dominant hand, hold the lubricated catheter about 2-3 inches from the tip.

 

Gently insert the catheter into the urethral opening in a steady, forward motion.

 

Continue to advance the catheter until urine begins to flow (this indicates the catheter is in the bladder). Usually, the catheter is inserted about 2-3 inches before reaching the bladder.

 

E. For Foley Catheter (Indwelling)

 

Once urine flows, insert the catheter another inch to ensure it’s fully inside the bladder.

 

Inflate the balloon with the pre-filled syringe of sterile water (usually 10 mL) to secure the catheter in place.

 

Gently pull back on the catheter to feel resistance, ensuring the balloon is properly positioned in the bladder.

 

F. Connect the Collection Bag

 

Attach the urine collection bag to the catheter (for Foley catheters).

 

Secure the catheter tubing to the patient’s leg to prevent pulling or accidental removal.

 

Conclusive Remark

 

If we know not only urinary catheters’ application in gynecological scenarios or cases but also know about the execution of catheter uses in a female patient who has undergone gynecological procedure, we will be more prepared in terms of knowing how catheters can be used to solve problems in gynecological cases. For this reason we have presented the above passages.