How does Female External Catheter Work

The female external catheter is one type of urinary catheter specifically designed for females. Other types of female urinary catheters include those that are inserted internally such as intermittent catheters and indwelling catheters. In this article, after introducing types of female urinary catheters including the female external catheter, we focus on explaining how the female external catheter works.

 

Female Urinary Catheter Types

 

1) Female External Catheter

 

Female external catheter is a soft, flexible device placed externally between the labia to collect urine without entering the body. It collects urine from the external body without the need for internal insertion. It is used primarily for managing urinary incontinence or for bedridden patients. This type of catheter has the advantage of reducing the risk of infection and offering comfort due to its non-invasive nature.

 

Structure of a Female External Catheter

 

1) Absorbent Pad or Wicking Material

 

The central component is typically a soft, absorbent pad or wicking material designed to catch and absorb urine. This material is often made from a highly absorbent fabric or foam that draws urine away from the skin.

 

The pad is placed between the labia, covering the area around the urethral opening.

 

2) Collection Tube

 

A flexible tube extends from the absorbent pad. This tube channels urine from the pad to a collection bag or suction system. It transports the collected urine away from the body to prevent leakage and ensure proper drainage.

 

3) Adhesive or Fastening Mechanism

 

Many external catheters include an adhesive backing or fastening straps to secure the device in place against the body.

 

It ensures a snug fit and prevents the device from shifting, which helps maintain effective urine collection and minimizes leakage.

 

4) Collection Bag or Canister

 

The tube connects to a drainage bag or canister where the collected urine is stored.

 

The bag or canister is usually attached to the patient’s leg or bed and can be easily emptied when full.

 

5) Suction Mechanism (for certain models)

 

Some external catheters incorporate a suction mechanism to assist in drawing urine from the absorbent pad into the collection bag.

 

The suction helps manage the flow of urine, ensuring it is efficiently collected and reducing the risk of leaks.

 

2) Indwelling Catheter (Foley catheter)

 

In contrast with the non-invasive nature of external catheters, this type of catheter is invasive because it is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. It is a flexible tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder. It includes a balloon at the tip to hold it in place inside the bladder for continuous urine drainage.

 

As the name indicates, it is for long-term catheterization, typically post-surgery, in patients who cannot empty their bladder on their own. It provides continuous drainage over an extended period.

 

Common Applications: After surgery, for chronic bladder issues, or during hospitalization.

 

3) Intermittent Catheter (Straight Catheter)

 

This type of catheter is also inserted into the bladder through the urethra and is thus invasive. It is a catheter inserted through the urethra into the bladder temporarily to drain urine. It is removed immediately after the bladder is emptied.

 

It is used for periodic bladder emptying, typically in patients with urinary retention or neurogenic bladder.

 

It has the advantage of lower risk of infection compared to indwelling catheters as it is removed after each use.

 

Common Applications include at-home self-catheterization, post-surgery bladder recovery.

 

The picture below from Hangzhou Bever Medical Devices Co., Ltd. illustrates how intermittent catheters look

 

 

4) Coude Catheter

 

A catheter with a curved tip designed to navigate around urethral obstructions or anatomical difficulties, such as strictures or blockages.

 

It is used primarily for women with anatomical challenges that prevent the easy use of standard invasive catheters.

 

Advantages: Helps with catheter insertion when the urethra is narrowed or blocked.

 

Common Applications: For patients with urethral strictures or those experiencing difficulties during catheter insertion.

 

An actual Coude catheter (picture provided by Hangzhou Bever Medical Devices Co., Ltd.)

 

How does Female External Catheter Work

 

A female external catheter is a non-invasive device designed to collect urine without inserting anything into the body. It provides an alternative to traditional internal catheters, offering a more comfortable and lower-risk option, particularly for managing urinary incontinence in bedridden or immobile women.

 

1) Placement

 

The device is placed externally between the labia (in the perineal area) to position it close to the urethral opening.

 

It usually has a soft, absorbent pad or wicking material that draws the urine away from the skin.

 

2) Urine Collection

 

The absorbent material or wick gently catches the urine as it leaves the body, preventing it from contacting the skin.

 

Once the urine is absorbed by the wick, it flows into a drainage tube that’s connected to a collection bag or vacuum-assisted suction system.

 

3) Vacuum or Suction System

 

A gentle suction system (often used with certain models) helps pull urine through the wick and into a collection canister or drainage bag.

 

This ensures urine is quickly and efficiently removed, reducing the risk of skin irritation or moisture buildup.

 

4) Continuous Monitoring

 

The system provides continuous urine collection, meaning the catheter can be left in place for extended periods without needing frequent manual intervention.

 

The collection bag or canister is emptied as needed, depending on urine output.

 

5) Preventing Infection and Skin Breakdown

 

Since the device doesn’t enter the body, it significantly reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common with indwelling catheters.

 

The absorbent material also keeps the skin dry, minimizing the risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores from prolonged exposure to moisture.

 

Female External Catheters Covered by Medicare

 

Female external catheters are typically covered by Medicare. Medicare coverage for urinary catheters falls under Medicare Part B, which covers durable medical equipment (DME).

 

Requirements for Coverage

 

A. A doctor must determine that the use of the female external catheter is medically necessary for managing urinary incontinence or other related conditions.

 

B. Prescription: You must have a prescription from your healthcare provider for the external catheter system.

C. Specific Diagnoses: Typically, Medicare will cover catheters for patients who have conditions like urinary retention, urinary incontinence, or who are unable to use internal catheters due to other health issues.

 

Cost to Patients

 

Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved amount for female external catheters, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20% unless you have Medigap or other supplemental insurance that can help cover the balance.

 

You may also need to meet the Part B deductible before coverage begins.

 

Final Remark

 

I hope this article provides some useful information for readers interested in female urinary catheters, especially external catheters. I will post more articles if they help readers understand medical devices better.