When Maria's neurologist told her the tingling and "never quite empty" feeling in her bladder was related to her multiple sclerosis, the word that scared her most wasn't MS — it was catheter. She pictured a tube taped to her leg for the rest of her life, a bag under her clothes, hospitals. What she actually learned in a twenty-minute teaching session with a continence nurse was something much smaller and far less dramatic: how to pass a thin, single-use catheter herself, a few times a day, empty her bladder completely in about a minute, and throw it away. No permanent tube. No bag. Within two weeks it was as routine as brushing her teeth — and the urinary infections that had been landing her in urgent care every couple of months largely stopped.
That's the quiet promise of intermittent catheterization. It's one of the most common and most under-explained tools in home urology care, and for a lot of people it is genuinely more freeing than the alternatives. This guide covers what intermittent catheters are, who they help, the different types and tip styles, how French sizing works, the clean self-catheterization technique step by step, how to lower infection risk, and what Medicare actually covers. It pairs naturally with our guide to male external (condom) catheters for anyone weighing the different options.
What Is an Intermittent Catheter?
An intermittent catheter is a thin, flexible, usually single-use tube that is gently inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine, then removed right away. Unlike an indwelling (Foley) catheter, nothing stays in the body between uses — you catheterize, the bladder empties, and the catheter comes out and is discarded. Most people repeat this on a schedule, commonly four to six times a day, roughly every four to six hours.
When a person does this themselves at home using a clean (not fully sterile) routine, it's called clean intermittent catheterization, or CIC — sometimes just "intermittent self-catheterization." It has been the gold-standard approach for managing many types of bladder-emptying problems for decades precisely because it mimics normal bladder filling and emptying and keeps nothing sitting in the urinary tract to breed infection.
Who Uses Intermittent Catheters?
Intermittent catheterization is used whenever the bladder can't reliably empty on its own. Common reasons include:
- Neurogenic bladder from multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, Parkinson's disease, or stroke, where nerve signals between the bladder and brain are disrupted.
- Urinary retention in men from an enlarged prostate (BPH) or a urethral stricture, when the bladder never fully empties.
- Post-surgical retention after pelvic, prostate, or gynecologic surgery while normal bladder function returns.
- Bladder outlet or pelvic floor dysfunction in women, including retention after childbirth or prolapse surgery.
- Chronic incomplete emptying that leaves residual urine and causes repeated infections, overflow leakage, or kidney strain.
The key distinction: intermittent catheters are for people who cannot empty the bladder well but can be taught a routine (or have a caregiver who can help). Someone whose main problem is leakage but who empties fine is usually better served by absorbent products or, for many men, an external catheter. Someone who needs continuous drainage that can't be managed on a schedule may need an indwelling catheter. Your physician decides which situation applies.
Intermittent vs. Indwelling (Foley) vs. External Catheters
| Type | How it works | Best for | Infection risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermittent catheter | Inserted to empty the bladder, then removed and discarded; repeated on a schedule | People who can't empty fully but can follow a routine (neurogenic bladder, retention) | Low — nothing remains in the body between uses |
| Indwelling (Foley) catheter | A tube held in the bladder by a balloon, draining continuously into a bag | Continuous drainage needs, immobility, or when scheduled emptying isn't possible | Higher — the longer it stays in, the greater the risk |
| External (condom) catheter | A sheath over the penis routes urine to a drainage bag; no insertion | Men who can empty on their own but leak or need overnight drainage | Low |
A useful way to think about it: an external catheter collects urine the body already lets out, while an intermittent catheter empties a bladder that won't drain on its own. They solve different problems, and some people even use both at different times of day. For the indwelling option, browse Foley and drainage catheters; a representative example is the Kenguard 2-Way Foley Catheter (18Fr, box of 10) at about $38.90.
The Types of Intermittent Catheters
All intermittent catheters do the same job, but they differ in how they're lubricated and packaged — which affects comfort, infection risk, convenience, and price.
1. Uncoated (Straight / "Red Rubber" or PVC) Catheters
The simplest and most economical option. These are plain tubes — often PVC or the classic soft "red rubber" latex — that you lubricate yourself with a sterile, water-based jelly before insertion. They're a proven, budget-friendly choice, especially for experienced users. The Red Rubber Robinson Catheters (from about $17.46 for a pack of 10, in 12Fr, 16Fr, and 18Fr) and the bulk Rob-Nel Urethral Catheter (16Fr, case of 100) at about $178.43 are typical of this category.
2. Hydrophilic (Coated) Catheters
These come with a slippery coating that activates when exposed to water, so the catheter is ready to use with little or no separate lubricant. The coating reduces friction against the urethra, which many users find more comfortable and which research links to lower rates of urethral trauma. They cost more than uncoated tubes but are popular for daily long-term use.
3. Closed-System (Pre-Lubricated "Touchless") Kits
A closed system houses a pre-lubricated catheter inside its own collection bag, often with an introducer tip and gloves, so the catheter never has to be touched by hand or exposed to the open air. These are the lowest-infection-risk option and are frequently recommended for people with spinal cord injury, those who catheterize away from a clean bathroom, wheelchair users, and anyone with a history of frequent urinary infections.
Straight Tip vs. Coude Tip
Separate from coating, catheters come with two tip shapes:
- Straight tip — the standard, works for the majority of users, especially women.
- Coude tip — a slightly curved, tapered tip that's easier to steer past an enlarged prostate, a tight bladder neck, or a urethral stricture. Coude catheters are used more often by men. The Self-Cath Coude Tip Intermittent Catheter (about $174.99 per box, in several French sizes) is a common example. Coude catheters should be inserted with the curved tip pointing up, and your clinician should show you the technique first.
| Type | Lubrication | Best for | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncoated straight / red rubber | Separate jelly required | Budget-conscious and experienced users | $ |
| Hydrophilic coated | Water-activated coating | Daily long-term comfort, sensitive urethras | $$ |
| Closed system | Pre-lubricated, touch-free | Lowest infection risk, on-the-go use, SCI | $$$ |
Understanding French (Fr) Sizing
Catheter diameter is measured in French units (Fr or Ch), where each French equals one-third of a millimeter — so a 12Fr catheter is 4mm across. The right size drains efficiently without being unnecessarily large, which keeps insertion comfortable and reduces irritation.
- Adult women: commonly 12Fr to 14Fr.
- Adult men: commonly 12Fr to 16Fr.
- Children: commonly 6Fr to 10Fr, set by the prescribing clinician.
Manufacturers color-code the funnel ends by size (for example, many brands use a standard color for 14Fr), which makes it easy to grab the right one. Length also differs by anatomy: female-length catheters are short (around 6 inches), while male-length catheters are longer (around 16 inches). Using the correct length matters — a female catheter is too short for most men. Your clinician will specify both the French size and the length.
Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization, Step by Step
This is a general overview of the clean technique to illustrate what's involved — it is not a substitute for hands-on training from a nurse or clinician, who should watch you do it correctly before you rely on it at home.
- Gather supplies — your prescribed catheter, water-based lubricant (if uncoated), and a clean container or access to a toilet. Have everything within reach.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them. Clean the genital area with a fresh wipe or mild soap and water.
- Get into position — many women use a seated position with a mirror at first; men typically sit or stand. Comfort and a clear view matter more than any single "correct" posture.
- Lubricate the catheter tip generously if it's uncoated, or activate the coating per the package if it's hydrophilic.
- Insert gently along the urethra until urine begins to flow, then advance just slightly further. Never force it — if you meet firm resistance, pause, breathe, and try a small change in angle. A coude tip (curved up) may be needed for men with prostate enlargement.
- Let the bladder drain fully. When flow stops, withdraw the catheter slowly, pausing if more urine comes, so the bladder empties completely.
- Discard single-use catheters and wash your hands again. Most modern intermittent catheters are intended for a single use.
- Keep to your schedule. Catheterizing on time — rather than waiting until the bladder is overfull — is one of the biggest factors in avoiding infections and protecting the kidneys.
Lowering Your Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs are the most common complication of catheter use, but a good routine keeps the risk low. The essentials:
- Wash your hands before and after every catheterization — the single most effective habit.
- Don't skip catheterizations. Letting the bladder overfill lets bacteria multiply; sticking to your schedule keeps residual urine low.
- Use a fresh, single-use catheter each time unless your clinician has specifically approved a reuse protocol.
- Consider a closed system if you catheterize outside the home or have a history of repeat infections.
- Stay well hydrated so urine keeps flushing the system.
- Know the warning signs — fever, chills, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood, new pain, or back/flank pain — and contact your doctor rather than waiting it out.
For a deeper look at prevention and treatment, see our complete guide to UTI prevention and treatment. A little spotting of blood the first few times you catheterize can be normal as tissues adjust, but persistent or heavy bleeding always warrants a call to your care team.
Intermittent Catheter Options at AllCare Store
AllCare Store carries a range of intermittent and urethral catheters across tip styles and French sizes. Because these are prescription items and stock rotates, confirm the exact size and type on your prescription before ordering — our team can help you match it.
| Product | Tip / Type | Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rubber Robinson Catheters | Straight, uncoated (latex) | 12Fr / 16Fr / 18Fr, pack of 10 | From $17.46 |
| Rob-Nel Urethral Catheter | Straight, uncoated (PVC) | 16Fr, case of 100 | $178.43 |
| Self-Cath Female Catheter | Straight tip, female length | 14Fr, 6 in., box of 30 | $55.99 |
| Self-Cath Coude Tip Catheter | Coude (curved) and straight tip | 8Fr–16Fr, 16 in., box of 30 | $174.99 |
See the full selection in our catheters collection and the broader urological care range. For backup protection and skin care during transitions, many users also keep underpads and absorbent underwear on hand.
Does Medicare Cover Intermittent Catheters?
Generally, yes. Under Medicare Part B, intermittent catheters and related supplies are covered as prosthetic devices when they're medically necessary and you have a prescription documenting a permanent or long-term bladder-emptying problem. Since a 2008 policy change, Medicare has allowed a generous monthly supply of sterile, single-use catheters (commonly up to about 200 per month, roughly one per catheterization) plus lubricant for uncoated catheters — a shift away from the old practice of reusing a single catheter.
The supplies are billed under standard HCPCS codes: straight-tip intermittent catheters (A4351), coude-tip catheters (A4352), and closed-system kits (A4353). Coverage of closed systems sometimes requires documentation of a specific medical reason, such as recurrent infections or spinal cord injury. Medicaid, Medicare Advantage plans, the VA, and private insurers each have their own rules, and coverage details change — verify your current benefits with your plan and supplier before ordering, and keep your prescription and physician documentation on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for intermittent catheters?
Yes. Unlike over-the-counter external catheters, intermittent catheters are a prescription product, and your clinician sets the type, French size, and schedule.
How many times a day will I need to catheterize?
Most people catheterize four to six times a day, roughly every four to six hours, but your care team will personalize this based on your bladder capacity and residual volumes.
Does self-catheterization hurt?
It shouldn't. There may be mild pressure or discomfort at first, but with the right size, good lubrication (or a hydrophilic or closed system), and proper technique, most people find it painless within a week or two. Pain or persistent resistance is worth a call to your clinician.
Can I reuse a catheter?
Most modern intermittent catheters are labeled single-use, and single-use is standard in the U.S., in part because Medicare now covers a fresh catheter for each use. Only reuse if your clinician has given you a specific cleaning protocol.
Straight tip or coude tip — how do I choose?
Most people, especially women, use a straight tip. A coude (curved) tip is typically chosen for men who have an enlarged prostate, a tight bladder neck, or a stricture that makes a straight catheter hard to advance. Your clinician will recommend one.
What French size is right for me?
Adult women are commonly 12–14Fr and adult men 12–16Fr, but the correct size (and length) is set by your prescriber. Too small can drain slowly; too large can be uncomfortable.
What's the difference between intermittent and indwelling (Foley) catheters?
An intermittent catheter is inserted to empty the bladder and then removed; nothing stays in. A Foley stays in place and drains continuously into a bag. Intermittent catheterization generally carries a lower infection risk.
Can a caregiver do this for someone who can't?
Yes. Caregivers are routinely trained to catheterize a family member who can't do it themselves — for example, a child with spina bifida or an adult after a stroke. Ask for hands-on teaching from a nurse.
How should I store and carry catheters?
Keep them in their sealed packaging, at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Discreet closed systems and compact catheters make it easy to carry a day's supply in a bag or pocket.
Is a little blood normal?
Light spotting can happen the first few times as tissues adjust, but ongoing, heavy, or painful bleeding is not normal — contact your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Intermittent catheterization sounds intimidating and turns out, for most people, to be a small, manageable routine that restores a great deal of freedom — no permanent tube, no bag, complete bladder emptying, and far fewer infections than many alternatives. The keys are getting the right catheter type and French size, learning the clean technique from a professional, and staying on your schedule. Whether you do best with a simple uncoated tube, a comfortable hydrophilic catheter, or a touch-free closed system depends on your anatomy, your lifestyle, and your infection history.
Not sure which catheter matches your prescription? Call us at 1-888-889-6260 — our team can help you match tip style, French size, and length before you order. Browse the full catheters collection and urological care range at AllCare Store, with fast, discreet shipping.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for guidance from a urologist, home health nurse, or your prescribing physician. Intermittent catheters are a prescription product, and your care team should set your catheter type, French size, and catheterization schedule. Always follow their instructions.
This guide was written and reviewed by the AllCare Store editorial team for general education. Catheter selection and technique are medical decisions — always follow your urologist, physician, or continence nurse, and verify insurance coverage with your plan and supplier.
