What Is a Straight Catheter?
This post was reviewed by our Director of Clinical Excellence and Oversight.
The straight catheter, also called an intermittent catheter, is a soft, thin tube used to pass urine from the body. Straight catheters are usually made of plastic (PVC) and are only used one time and then thrown away.
How a Straight Catheter Works
Straight catheters are inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. Urine flows through little openings called eyelets and exits through the catheter funnel. Once the bladder is empty, the catheter is carefully removed and thrown away.
Unlike Foley catheters, straight catheters do not attach to collection bags, which means that they need to be used in a bathroom or other place where urine may be properly disposed.
Because a new straight catheter is used each time, there is less risk of getting an infection, such as a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Parts of a Straight Catheter
There are two basic parts that make up most straight catheters:
Tubing
Soft, hollow tube made of a special plastic (PVC). The tubing allows urine to leave the bladder and exit the body.
Catheter Funnel
Plastic, grip-like cones attached to one end of the catheter. They help direct urine into waste receptacles. The color of the funnel indicates the French size of the catheter.
Styles of Straight Catheters
Straight catheters are available in many different styles and designs. Here are some of the most common ones you’ll find:
Standard PVC (Plastic) Urethral Catheter
These straight catheters are made of plastic and come with a color-coded funnel that indicates the French size. They tend to be slightly firmer than red rubber catheters.
Red Rubber Catheters
Red rubber catheters are made of thin red rubber. They are more flexible than plastic catheters, but do not usually come with a color-coded funnel.
Coude Catheters
Coude catheters have a tip that is tapered or bent. This helps the catheter navigate through obstructions in the urethra. Coude tips are available on both plastic and red rubber straight catheters.
*To learn about other catheters, visit our Types of Catheters Guide.
Who Uses a Straight Catheter?
Straight catheters are prescribed for men and women who can use catheters themselves, and who are less prone to infections. Some situations requiring a straight catheter could be Overflow Incontinence, paraplegia, or nerve issues that affects the function of the bladder.
Many straight catheters can be used by both men and women, but there are some catheters made exclusively for women.
Insurance Coverage of Straight Catheters
Most insurance plans provide some level of coverage for straight catheters. This includes Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance.
The number of coude catheters you can get depends on medical necessity and your insurance plan.
**To learn about Medicare coverage of all urology products,
visit our Guide to Medicare Coverage of Urology Supplies.
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How To Get Straight Catheters
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Our ordering process is simple: You provide us with some basic information, and our experts handle everything else. We’ll take care of the paperwork and insurance billing for you. Don’t worry about slow orders; in most cases, supplies will arrive at your door within 48 hours of being shipped.
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