Urinary catheters come in several types including straight (intermittent), Foley (indwelling), and external catheters. This guide explains each type, their benefits, and common product options to help you choose the right catheter for your needs.

 

Straight Catheters (Intermittent Catheters)

Straight catheters, also known as intermittent catheters, are designed for temporary use. The catheter is inserted into the bladder to drain urine and then removed immediately after use.

Many individuals perform intermittent catheterization several times throughout the day as part of their bladder management routine.

Benefits of Straight Catheters

• Discreet and portable
• Suitable for independent use
• No catheter remains in the body between uses
• Available in various lengths and sizes
• Often preferred for long-term bladder management
  

Best Straight Tip Catheters:

	Amici Classic Intermittent Catheter A simple, reliable intermittent catheter designed for smooth insertion and everyday bladder management needs.
	Medline Clear Vinyl Intermittent Catheter A transparent vinyl catheter that allows easy visibility during use and offers flexible, comfortable handling.
	Dover™ Red Rubber Robinson Catheters A traditional red rubber catheter known for flexibility and dependable short-term intermittent drainage.
	Med-RX Robinson Plus Low Friction Male Intermittent Catheter Designed with a low-friction surface to reduce discomfort and support smoother catheterization.
	ConvaTec Straight Tip Intermittent Catheter A well-balanced option offering consistent performance and user-friendly intermittent drainage.

Foley Catheters (Indwelling Catheters)

A Foley catheter is designed to remain in the bladder for an extended period. A small balloon near the tip is inflated after insertion to keep the catheter securely in place.

Urine continuously drains through the catheter into a collection bag.

Benefits of Foley Catheters

• Continuous bladder drainage
• Suitable for short-term or long-term use
• Reduces the need for frequent catheterization
• Commonly used in hospitals and home care settings

Best Foley Catheters:

	Amsure Silicone 2-Way Foley Catheter A durable silicone catheter designed for long-term comfort and reliable drainage.
	Medline 100% Silicone 2-Way Foley Catheter Made entirely of silicone to help reduce irritation and support extended use.
	Rusch 3-Way Foley Catheter Includes an additional channel for irrigation, commonly used in post-surgical care.
	Coloplast 100% Silicone Coudé Tip Features a curved tip design for easier insertion in patients with urinary tract obstruction.
	Dover Silicone-Coated Latex Foley Catheter Combines latex flexibility with a silicone coating for smoother insertion and comfort.

 

 

External Catheters

External catheters are non-invasive devices typically used by men with urinary incontinence. External catheter is often used as a broader term that includes condom catheters., they fit over the penis and direct urine into a drainage bag.

Unlike straight and Foley catheters, external catheters such as Condom Catheters do not enter the urethra.

Benefits of External Catheters

• Non-invasive design
• Comfortable for many users
• Easy application and removal
• Reduced risk of urethral irritation
• Ideal for managing male urinary incontinence

Top Condom Catheters:

	Coloplast Conveen Optima Standard External Catheter A secure-fit external catheter designed for comfort and leak protection throughout the day.
	Hollister InView Latex-Free Standard External Catheter Latex-free option ideal for users with sensitivities, offering soft and flexible wear.
	Bard Condom Catheter A widely used external catheter known for dependable fit and consistent drainage performance.

 

Specialized Catheter Types

 

Coude Tip Catheters

A coude catheter has a slightly curved tip that helps navigate around obstructions in the urethra.

Our Best-Selling Coude Tip Catheters

	ConvaTec GentleCath Coudé Tip Intermittent Catheter Designed for easier navigation in cases of obstruction, offering smoother insertion.
	Bard Tiemann Lubricath Olive Coudé Tip 2-Way Foley Catheter  A curved-tip Foley catheter designed to assist with difficult catheterization scenarios.

Often used for:

• Enlarged prostate (BPH)
• Urethral strictures
• Difficult catheter insertions

---

Hydrophilic Catheters

These aren't a separate catheter category so much as a coating technology. The catheter becomes slippery when activated by water, reducing friction.

Our Best-Selling Hydrophilic Catheters

Hollister VaPro Straight Tip Hydrophilic Male Intermittent Catheter Pre-lubricated hydrophilic catheter designed to minimize friction and improve comfort.

Benefits:

• Easier insertion
• Increased comfort
• Reduced urethral trauma

Examples include many premium intermittent catheters.

---

Closed System Catheters

These are intermittent catheters that come with a collection bag attached, helping maintain sterility.

Often used by:

• Wheelchair users
• Travelers
• Individuals prone to UTIs

Our Best-Selling Closed System Catheters

	Cure Catheter® Closed System Straight Tip Intermittent Catheter All-in-one sterile system designed for hygienic and convenient use.
	Coloplast SpeediCath Closed System Intermittent Catheter Compact closed system catheter designed for portability and reduced infection risk.

---

Female-Length Catheters

Shorter intermittent catheters designed specifically for female anatomy.

Our Best-Selling Female Catheters:

	ConvaTec GentleCath Straight Tip Female Intermittent Catheter Compact and easy-to-use catheter designed for comfort and discretion.
	Amici Plus Female Intermittent Catheter A user-friendly female-length catheter offering smooth insertion and reliable drainage.

---

Conclusion

Choosing the right catheter depends on individual needs, lifestyle, and medical requirements. Straight (intermittent) catheters offer flexibility for self-managed care, Foley catheters provide continuous drainage for longer-term use, and external catheters deliver a non-invasive option for male incontinence. Specialized options such as coude tip, hydrophilic, closed system, and female-length catheters further improve comfort, safety, and ease of use.

Understanding these differences helps users and caregivers select the most suitable catheter type for improved hygiene, comfort, and quality of life.

 

Questions?

Call us at 416 647 6789 today to discuss any questions you may have.  

We’re proud to serve Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, and the entire GTA. 

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.