Male catheters work by providing a drainage route for urine from the bladder. One end of the catheter is either connected to a drainage bag or left open to allow urine to flow freely into a toilet. The other end is carefully inserted through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) and into the bladder. Once the catheter is in place, urine drains continuously. After urination ceases, the catheter is removed, and a new, sterile catheter is used for subsequent use.
The Process in Detail:
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Catheter Insertion: A sterile, lubricated catheter is gently inserted into the urethra and advanced until it reaches the bladder. The process may require some patience and proper technique.
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Urine Drainage: Once the catheter is correctly positioned within the bladder, urine begins to drain. This drainage occurs continuously until the catheter is removed.
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Urine Collection: The drained urine is collected either in a drainage bag attached to the catheter or directly into a toilet if the catheter is open-ended.
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Catheter Removal: After the bladder is emptied, the catheter is carefully removed. A new, sterile catheter is used for each instance of drainage.
Note: This description pertains to intermittent catheters, which are typically used for short-term drainage. Indwelling catheters, which remain in place for longer periods, function similarly in principle, but are secured in place with a balloon mechanism within the bladder.
Key Components:
- Catheter Tip: Designed to minimize urethral trauma during insertion.
- Catheter Shaft: Provides the conduit for urine drainage.
- Drainage Port/Bag: Collects and stores the urine.
