What Is A Catheter?
A urinary catheter is a soft hollow tube, which is passed into the bladder to drain urine. Catheters are sometimes necessary for people, who for a variety of reasons, cannot empty their bladder in the usual way.
Bladder Category
Bladder
It is estimated around 14 million people in the UK suffer from a bladder condition.
There are more people with bladder health concerns than with Asthma, Diabetes and Epilepsy together. Both men and women, young and old can be affected.
Despite being common, these problems are not openly talked about. Meaning many people suffer in silence and don’t get the help they need.
The choice of treatments and medicines has never been greater, with plenty of advice and support available. In some cases, can be completely cured and in others, they can be effectively managed. With the right information and guidance, you are able to regain your quality of life.
Throughout this section, you will find information on the many problems, from urinary incontinence and overactive bladder through to bladder weakness (stress urinary incontinence) and urinary retention. We also talk about more specific conditions like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and the Menopause. Available treatment and product options are included for each individual condition.
Fluid Matrix
If you're actively trying to increase your fluid intake and hydration levels, it may help to have a goal in mind that suits your body. This table can help you determine how much fluid you should try to take in a 24 hour period based on your…
Drainage Bags
A drainage bag collects urine from a catheter or penile sheath. Normally there is a tube which connects the catheter or sheath to the drainage bag. With a catheter everything should be sterile. Drainage bags come in different sizes and can…
Night Drainage Bags for Catheters
Learn all about night bags for catheters - disconnecting or attaching a night drainage bag, the importance of hygiene, how to dispose of urine bags and when to seek help. Read our guide.
Don’t Suffer with Incontinence
You can order a free sample of MoliCare® pants for Men or Women. As a Bladder and Bowel Community member, you will also receive 20% off with HARTMANN Direct with code BBC20 at the checkout or over the phone.
Let’s Talk About Catheters.
Welcome to our dedicate a space where we talk about all matters relating to catheters. Leanna Benjamin who is a catheter patient, talks openly about what she wished she had known about having a catheter. Firstly let us introduce you to…
Catheter Nurse Q&A
At Bladder and Bowel Community, we don’t want anyone to struggle or feel lost with their catheter needs - so we put your most-asked questions to Val, our urology nurse. The Community Asked… Our Catheter Nurse Answered!
We asked the members…
Catheter Valves
Catheter valves can be used as an alternative to allowing urine to drain freely into a drainage bag. Read our guide to how they work, and what to consider.
Penile Sheaths
Penile Sheaths, also known as Penis Pouches, is a popular and effective alternative to absorbent pads for many men. They fit over the penis like a condom and are attached by a tube to a drainage bag and can be used during the day and during…
The Importance Of Hydration
Poor nutrition and hydration can sometimes make bladder and bowel symptoms worse, this article looks at all the reasons why good hydration is so important to the bladder and bowel.