It can be a daunting day for any patient when they learn that they’ll have to start living with a catheter, whether for a time of recovery or permanently. The very concept can make anyone wince with sympathy pain. But catheters are perhaps not as scary as we’ve built them up to be in our minds. There are a number of misconceptions going around about catheters that can make the news that you need one more stressful. In today’s blog, let’s dispel a few of those misconceptions:

Uncomfortable, But Not Painful

It is impossible to avoid all discomfort when it comes to catheters, especially male catheters, though well-made catheters like those from Coloplast catheters can certainly minimize the discomfort. Some of that discomfort should go away as the patient becomes more accustomed to it. However, many patients expect that catheters by their very nature must be painful and that the pain they experience due to their catheter is normal. This is not always the case. If a catheter is causing pain, this could be the result of a faulty catheter, or at least one that needs to be cleaned.

Clean to Avoid Infection

One major fear when it comes to catheters is that they will cause infection. This can certainly be true if the catheter is not cleaned, which is why a sterile catheter is so important. Additionally, most good catheters have insertion grips so that you don’t have to actually touch the tube. The truth is that the chance of infection due to catheters is considerably lower than infection using other bladder emptying treatments.

No Worries About Leakage

Another common misconception is that catheters will not help incontinence and may in fact worsen it. This one is easily untrue. Catheters in fact lessen incontinence by allowing the bladder to completely empty so that there’s no excess fluid to leak. If incontinence worsens after a catheter is installed, then it may be time to talk to a nurse or doctor to fix the issue with the catheter.

Easier Removal Than You’d Think

There’s also an understandable misconception that the removal of catheters is difficult and painful. The truth is that there is a bit of a tug as the catheter is removed, but it’s not usually particularly painful. In fact, well-made catheters are made to be as comfortable as possible, including the removal. It takes a few seconds, and then it’s over. There may be some involuntary leakage in the moment that the catheter is fully removed, but after that, incontinence should not be an issue.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to having a well-made catheter from a brand you can trust. At ATC Medical, we provide Coloplast catheters because they’ve been in the business since 1954 and have been leading the way in terms of safe, comfortable male catheters. Need catheters or other medical supplies? Contact ATC Medical today for more information or take a look at our collection of urological supplies.