Guide to Buy the Right Intermittent Catheters and Use Them

When urinary retention is diagnosed, your doctor will recommend an intermittent catheter. This ensures that the patient can lead a normal life. However, an ill-fitting catheter can make the patient feel uncomfortable and even increase the risk of infection. This article is a buyer's guide to intermittent catheters, including things to consider when choosing an OEM catheter supplier and using tips. 

What Is an Intermittent Catheter?

An intermittent catheter is a thin, flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine and then removed immediately after use. Unlike Foley catheters, they are not left in the body. Intermittent catheterization is typically done several times per day and is suitable for short-term or regular bladder management.

Intermittent catheters are commonly used for:

• Patients with a neurogenic bladder

• Spinal cord injury victims

• Post-surgical bladder retention
  Combat or trauma-related urinary complications
  
  

These catheters are often paired with lubricating jelly for catheters to ease insertion and reduce the risk of trauma. 

Why Choose Intermittent Catheters for Emergency and Military Settings?

Intermittent catheters are ideal for field responders, combat medics, and mobile clinics due to:

• Compact Design: Easy to carry and store in first-aid kits

• Single-Use: Reduces contamination risk in non-sterile environments

• Quick Application: Requires no retention balloon, reducing training time

• Lower UTI Risk: Compared to long-term indwelling options
  
  

Bever Medical provides customized catheter solutions under OEM agreements, tailored for high-demand environments.

Types of Intermittent Catheters

Choosing the correct intermittent catheter involves more than size. Key factors include material, tip shape, and lubrication.

Tip Design

• Straight Tip: Most common, used for general catheterization

• Coudé Tip: Curved for easier insertion in patients with enlarged prostates or urethral obstructions
  
  

Lubrication Options

• Uncoated Catheters: Require manual application of lubricating jelly for catheters

• Pre-Lubricated Catheters: Coated for convenience and sterility in field operations
  
  

Material Composition

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Economical and firm for easier insertion

• Silicone: Softer and biocompatible for patients with sensitivities

• Hydrophilic Coatings: Reduce friction, making catheterization smoother and more comfortable

Key Considerations for OEM Buyers

If you’re sourcing hospitals, disaster response teams, or defense contracts, consider these factors:

1. Sterility and Packaging

Look for individually wrapped, sterile catheters. Closed-system packaging is ideal for non-clinical environments.

2. Size and Length Variety

Adult male, female, and pediatric sizes should be available. Defense and field kits often require standard 16Fr or 14Fr sizes.

3. Regulatory Compliance

Ensure your catheter supplier complies with FDA, CE, and ISO certifications for medical devices.

4. Private Label Capability

If you're distributing or reselling, ensure your OEM partner can provide custom branding, packaging, and documentation.

Benefits of Partnering with an OEM Catheter Supplier

Choosing an experienced catheter supplier like Bever Medical means:

• Custom development of continence care products

• Reliable bulk manufacturing

• Sterile, compliant, and field-tested catheter models

• Scalable production for large-volume orders

• On-time delivery to global markets, including military zones
  
  

When to Use an Intermittent Catheter

• Surgical Recovery: Short-term use after abdominal or urological surgery

• Combat Injuries: In cases of spinal trauma or urinary obstruction

• Chronic Conditions: Neurogenic bladder, spina bifida, or multiple sclerosis

• Emergency Evacuations: Quick and sterile bladder management under pressure

Tips for Proper Use and Infection Prevention

Whether used in a hospital or combat zone, follow these steps to reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs):

• Always wash hands before and after use

• Use sterile gloves in high-risk settings

• Apply lubricating jelly for catheters to minimize trauma

• Never reuse single-use intermittent catheters

• Dispose of used supplies in biohazard containers
  
  

For field teams, training on sterile techniques and emergency bladder management should be part of standard protocol.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right intermittent catheter isn't just about convenience—it's about patient comfort, infection control, and operational efficiency. For OEM buyers, working with a reliable catheter supplier ensures product quality and delivery performance. Need an OEM intermittent catheter solution that meets the highest medical standards? Contact Bever Medical today—your trusted source for private label and bulk catheter manufacturing.