All You Need to Know About The Hydrophilic Catheter

Urinary incontinence affects people of all ages worldwide, with a higher prevalence as age increases. And women are more likely to experience urinary incontinence than men. To maintain a normal social life, patients often choose a suitable catheter according to the suggestions. As we know, most intermittent catheter users apply lubrication before inserting the catheter to reduce discomfort. Luckily, a hydrophilic intermittent catheter brings great ease to patients, because it doesn’t require additional lubricant. In this article, you'll get to know complete information on hydrophilic catheters, including types, advantages, and guides.

What Is a Hydrophilic Catheter?

A hydrophilic catheter has a layer of hydrophilic polymer coating wrapped around the PVC catheter, also called a super-smooth catheter. When this catheter comes into contact with water or urine, the coating attracts water molecules and becomes very slippery, allowing it to easily glide into the urethra. This reduces friction between the catheter and the urethral lining, helping to minimize the risk of urethral damage. Additionally, the coating is safe and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for daily use in continence care.

Types of Hydrophilic Catheters

Hydrophilic catheters mainly come in two types:

1. Dry Coating Catheters – These remain dry until activated with water. Before insertion, the catheter needs to be soaked in water to activate the hydrophilic coating.

2. Pre-Lubricated Catheters – These come in a water-filled package with the hydrophilic coating already activated. You simply open the package, and the catheter is ready for immediate use.

Who Benefits Most from Hydrophilic Catheters?

1. People Needing Intermittent Self-Catheterization

For patients who need to use a catheter several times daily, hydrophilic intermittent catheters help reduce irritation, infection risk, and discomfort.

2. People with High Sensitivity

If patients are more sensitive to pain and benefit from the lubricating effect of hydrophilic catheters, it can help make insertion more comfortable.

3. People Experiencing Discomfort with Self-Catheterization

Repeated self-catheterization can cause urethral damage if improperly lubricated. Hydrophilic catheters are smoother, reducing friction and discomfort.

4. Others

Anyone can benefit from the ease and comfort of a hydrophilic catheter.

Benefits of Using Hydrophilic Catheters

1. Easy to Use Without Extra Lubrication

Hydrophilic catheters eliminate the need for separate lubrication, saving time and making the process easier and more comfortable.

2. Convenient and Ready-to-Use

Most hydrophilic catheters come with their own sterile water, making them more practical, especially when using a public restroom.

3. More Hygienic

Since no external lubricant is needed, the chance of accidental contamination is reduced, lowering the risk of infection.

4. Less Urethral Trauma

The hydrophilic coating is smooth and even along the entire catheter, unlike non-coated catheters where lubrication might be inconsistent. This coating reduces friction and minimizes the risk of urethral damage.

How to Use a Hydrophilic Catheter

1. Hand Washing

Thoroughly wash your hands before starting to reduce infection risk.

2. Activate the Hydrophilic Coating 

Hydrophilic catheters are usually pre-packaged with sterile water or include a separate water packet. If it has a water packet, apply pressure (often by pressing with your palm) to break the packet, allowing water to cover the catheter. Gently shake to ensure full coverage of the catheter.

Some brands offer hooks or tape to hang the catheter for 30 seconds to allow full hydration and activation of the coating. If not, hold the catheter upright for the same time to ensure maximum smoothness.

3. Insert the Catheter

For Women – Find a comfortable sitting or standing position and locate the urethral opening with a mirror. Slowly insert the catheter approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) until urine begins to flow. Push in about another inch (2.5 cm) to ensure proper positioning in the bladder.

For Men – Slowly insert the catheter into the urethral opening. Once urine flows, push it in about an inch (2.5 cm) further to ensure it reaches the bladder.

What to Do After Using a Hydrophilic Catheter?

1. Empty the Bladder – Once inserted, the urine will start to flow naturally. Allow the bladder to fully empty until no more urine comes out.

2. Remove the Catheter Gently – Once done, slowly remove the catheter from the urethra, avoiding sudden movements to reduce irritation.

3. Dispose of Single-Use Catheters – Safely discard single-use hydrophilic intermittent catheters in a medical waste bag.

4. Wash Hands – Must wash your hands thoroughly to maintain good hygiene and prevent infection.

Conclusion

Hydrophilic catheters offer significant benefits despite being more costly, especially for those who need intermittent catheterization. If you’re considering a hydrophilic intermittent catheter, consult your doctor or healthcare provider first. Then, contact Bever Medical, we can provide quality and safe catheterization products. We offer OEM services and have the expertise to help you with any concerns.