Thanks to the advent of modern devices, a regular person today is much more medically privileged than those before them. From day-to-day matters that require no serious attention to issues such as not being able to pass urine naturally, technology has found its way everywhere. Several men across the world have difficulty passing their urine naturally due to one thing or the other. However, today there are catheters that make urinary drainage for men much easier. Through this article, we aim to outline how different catheters work and what their possible side effects could be.

A standard or intermittent catheter is like a thin tube that a professional inserts into a person’s bladder via the urethra. Even though it’s temporary, the procedure helps greatly in the process of urinary drainage for men by making the urine drain into a drainage bag. However, a downside it accompanies is the possibility of developing UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections). Another catheter similar to intermittent catheters is the indwelling catheter. A notable difference between both options is that the latter stays in the same place for days and even weeks. Typically, there are two different types of catheters within this category, and they each have their own insertion technique. While a urethral catheter is inserted via a person’s urethra, the suprapubic catheter is inserted surgically through a hole below your belly button. Pain, discomfort, and bladder spasms are common side effects of indwelling catheters overall.

External Catheters are the third type that is by far one of the most advanced methods to assist the process of urinary drainage for men. This condom-like device is very easy to fit over one’s penis and helps by collecting urine and passing it from the tube to the drainage bag. However, they’re only recommended for men who don’t experience retention or blockage and are able to use the device on their own. Even though this device is a a modern counterpart of most techniques and easy to use, it also comes with its own set of risks. For one, you can’t use them for the long term, as it may increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection, a chance of blockages in your urethra, and a possible risk to the penis because of constant friction. All in all, the three types of catheters carry their own set of risks and benefits, and only a professional can decide the right course to follow.