Speedicath Coloplast

Which conditions can affect the urethral mucosa and make it more vulnerable to catheterisation?

The most common cause is a urinary tract infection (UTI), but also strictures (narrowing of the urethral opening/the urethra through build-up of fibrotic tissue) will cause the friction to increase and thereby increasing the risk of damage to the urethra.

Does any part of the SpeediCath product contain protein extracted from human or animal sources?

No. The catheter, coating, hydration water and packaging do not contain protein extracted from human or animal sources.

Does the SpeediCath coating contain starch?

No.

What is the dry-out time for SpeediCath?

We recommend that the SpeediCath catheter be inserted within 10 minutes from removing it from the package.

It is difficult to estimate an exact time for the coating to be too dry. Depending on how much water the user has been drinking. If the user is very dehydrated even a catheter that has been in the air for 10 minutes may feel dry because the mucosa will absorb some of the water from the coating. The longer the catheter remains out, the more dried out it gets.

Can SpeediCath withstand freezing temperatures?

We recommend storing catheters at room temperature. However, exposure to extreme temperatures (below 0°C and up to 60°C) for up to 24 hours will not damage the catheters.

What is the maximum time for which a SpeediCath can be rolled up or folded?

The maximum time for which a SpeediCath can be rolled up or folded is 3 hours. If stored in this condition for longer than 3 hours the material may keep the shape and the catheter can become kinked or curled.

Is there Methyl Parabene in SpeediCath?

No.

Do you increase the smoothness of SpeediCath by adding extra water?

No. The catheter coating is already fully activated and ready to use because it is packaged permanently immersed in sterile saline solution. There is actually, a risk in reducing the quality of the coating if added water is not a saline solution because the osmolarity of the coating will be negatively affected.

Is SpeediCath and the SpeediCath inner packaging silicone-free?

Yes. There is no silicone content in the product itself, or the inner packaging. Some suppliers of raw catheters use silicone oils as lubricants in the extrusion process which means that residue may be present on some catheters. However, in the manufacture of SpeediCath raw catheters, the use of silicone oils is strictly forbidden because even the smallest amount of residue from such oils could cause problems with the adherence of the hydrophilic coating to the raw catheter.

Does SpeediCath contain Thiuram?

No. Thiuram is a substance belonging to a carbonate group of chemicals found in rubber. Thiuram is used as a "cross-linking agent" e.g. in connection with latex. It is not used in connection with PU (polyurethane) of which the SpeediCath catheter is made.

What are phthalates?

Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used to soften PVC. Phthalates will at frequent exposure accumulate in the fat tissue of the human body and since phthalates are accused for having oestrogen like effects they may consequently disturb the hormone system. As a consequence, from 2011 companies are required by EU legislation to label products that contain phthalates.

What is PVC?

PVC is short for polyvinyl chloride and is the most widely used material in the chemical industry. PVC is a hard material in itself but can be softened by phthalates for use in the production of catheters. PVC in general generates large amount of waste material when incinerated. PVC softened by phthalates and left on dumping grounds exerts an environmental risk as the phthalates are released to the water table.

How often should I catheterise myself?

This depends on the individual, the reason for catheterisation, how much fluid you drink, and whether, for example, you have been prescribed additional medication. The essential thing is to catheterise regularly in order to ensure that the bladder is emptied completely. For some people it is necessary to empty their bladder every 3 to 4 hours during the day. Others may need to carry out the process once or twice a day. However restlessness, perspiration, chills, headache and feeling of fullness are all signs indicating that it might be time to catheterise, even though it does not correspond with your regular intervals. Remember don’t let the bladder become distended. It is usually recommended that every 2nd hour is the maximum frequency that is acceptable during waking hours, and that sleep should be undisturbed. An extra catheterisation before a period when reaching a toilet would be difficult, or prior to sexual intercourse is perfectly acceptable.

If you use the catheter to dilate the urethra after an operation, then a typical routine is to do this twice a week for the first month and then once a week for the next 12 months.

Your nurse or other healthcare professional will tell you how often you need to catheterise. At first the nurse may ask you to keep a record of how much urine you pass each time; this is a good basis on which to work out the routine that is right for you.

What is the difference in the size of catheters?

The diameter of a catheter is measured in Charrière (CH) or French (FR). Three Charrières correspond to 1 millimetre. The lower the Charrière, the smaller the diameter. The higher the Charrière, the faster the catheter will drain the bladder. Be aware that small sizes of catheters in general tend to empty the bladder less efficiently. It is important to use a Charrière size big enough that you will not have to spend excessive time in the toilet compared to your usual routine. The smallest size of catheter that will drain the urine at an acceptable speed should be used. Catheters range from 5 to 20 Charrière with 12 and 14 being the most common for adults.

Which catheter should I use?

It is important that you use the correct catheter and correct size. During your initial counselling, your nurse will help you find the right one for you.

What shall I do if I can’t insert the catheter?

Do not force the insertion. If you have tried and failed, don’t worry, don’t panic and don’t try again immediately. One of the possible reasons that you cannot insert the catheter is likely to be a reflex contraction of the sphincter muscle. Try to relax; you may find it beneficial to take a warm bath and sometimes coughing a few times also helps. Do your very best to relax before you attempt it again. If you still cannot manage, then contact your nurse, general practitioner or continence adviser.

If for some reason you have poor manual dexterity, you might benefit from using a catheter specially designed for better control when inserting the catheter into the bladder. Read more.

Repeated personal instructions might be required. In very severe cases a personal assistant might be appropriate.

What shall I do if I can’t remove the catheter?

Again, try to stay calm. A short period of relaxation – about 5 to 10 minutes – should help you to try again and invariably you will then succeed in removing the catheter. Coughing might also help you to relax your muscles. It may be helpful to take a warm bath. If all else fails, however, you should seek medical assistance.

Can I reuse the catheter?

All pre-coated catheters are for single use only as the coating is spoiled after being used once. Only catheters developed specifically for reuse should be reused.

How should catheters be stored?

Store your catheters flat in their original packing at room temperature out of the reach of children. If for some reason you need to softly bend or coil the catheter, e.g. for transportation, the catheter should not be bent or coiled for more than a maximum of 3 hours. Within their packing the catheters are sterile but if the packing is damaged in any way, throw the catheter away.

How do I get my catheters?

Your healthcare adviser will complete your details and prescription card to ensure you get the catheter recommended for you.

What does UTI mean?

UTI means a Urinary Tract Infection, i.e. an infection in the urinary tract (the two kidneys, the two ureters, the bladder or the urethra).

How would I get a UTI?

The presence of bacteria in the urinary tract is quite common and not necessarily a problem. If, however, the bacteria grow and multiply to a certain level, they may cause an infection of the urinary tract that needs treatment. Bacteria are likely to grow and multiply, if the bladder is not emptied completely on a regular basis. Some people are more prone to getting a UTI than others and often the reason is unknown. However, conditions such as enlarged prostate, diabetes, stones in the urinary tract and the usage of indwelling catheters are known to increase the risk.

How can a UTI affect my life?

A UTI can make you feel ill with vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pains and inability to control your bladder. Although symptoms differ from individual to individual, a UTI may often result in restraints on your everyday life, e.g. due to pain. Even though a UTI is not necessarily harmful to your health, it does have short term potential to get in the way of everyday activities. Additionally, attention to a UTI is important because it can be an indicator of a problem within the urinary tract that needs treatment in order to prevent permanent damage. If UTIs are recurrent, they may ultimately cause more permanent damage to the urinary tract.

How do I prevent getting a UTI?

You can do a lot to prevent getting a UTI. Make sure good hygiene is maintained. This means that you must store and treat the catheters as instructed, clean your hands and genitals as instructed and make sure that the catheter does not touch anything else before it enters the urethra. Make sure to empty the bladder completely. This means that you must ensure that the catheter really enters the bladder. Allow sufficient time to empty the bladder completely and remove the catheter slowly. Make sure to empty the bladder regularly according to the instructions you have been given.

How do I know if I have got a UTI?

Symptoms of a UTI vary and may be subtle. They include pain upon urinating, discomfort or pain over the kidney (back) or bladder (abdomen), urinary incontinence, increased spasticity, shivers, cloudy urine with increased odour, fatigue, inability to get the catheter into the bladder, or a general sense of unease. Left untreated, a UTI can lead to kidney infections. Symptoms of a severe UTI can include any listed already, but can also include a high temperature (38.3°C or more over a period of a minimum 24 hours), nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, shaking or chills. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your nurse or GP.

What about treatment of a UTI?

UTIs can be medically treated with antibiotics. If you are receiving antibiotics, it is important you follow the treatment guidelines as advised by your GP and that you complete the whole treatment. By not sticking to the guidelines, resistant bacteria may develop, and the risk of a UTI recurring will increase. The intake of plenty of fluids will flush the urinary tract and assist the recovery from a UTI.

How often should I see my doctor?

You should always see your doctor based on his or her recommendation for your regular check-ups. Notify your doctor at once if you experience cloudy or foul-smelling urine, pain or burning when inserting the catheter or while urinating, blood in the urine, fever, chills, back pain or inability to get the catheter into the bladder.

What about medication in general?

Always tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medication. The doctor may prescribe a medicine to ease the emptying of the bladder while doing catheterisation.

How much should I drink?

Everyone needs daily fluids to maintain good health. It is recommended that you drink 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid each day. Your doctor or nurse will advise you on any special fluid needs that relate to your catheterisation program. For example, they may advise you to limit your fluid intake several hours before bedtime to help you stay dry during the night. Beverages containing caffeine (coffee and tea) increase the production of urine, so you may want to limit these to two or three cups a day.

Are there any symptoms I should look out for?

Yes. If you feel pain or if your urine is cloudy, dark coloured or has an unpleasant odour, or you feel a burning sensation when you go to the toilet or catheterise, you must get in touch with your nurse, GP or continence adviser. Also, if you feel feverish, this could be a sign of infection and you should seek medical advice urgently.

What if I see blood?

Don’t worry. It is quite common to see a few drops of blood on the catheter – especially when you first start to use the catheterisation procedure. The catheter irritating the surface of the urethra is the most likely cause. Normally the blood will disappear after a few days. It might also be that you are being treated with medications that cause easy bleeding. However, if bleeding is continuous, seek medical advice from a healthcare professional immediately.

What if I feel pain?

Pain is often experienced during early catheterisation and can be worsened by tension and anxiety. Positioning the penis at the right angle for catheterisation is important for the catheter to pass as smoothly as possible. After a few days of practice you will most likely master any initial feelings of fear and not feel pain when catheterising. If you experience ongoing pain or pain from the back or abdomen you should consult your GP.

What do I do when I’m on the go?

Disruption of the daily catheterisation routine is one of the major reasons for developing a UTI. Finding yourself in places or situations, which seem unfit for catheterisation, may persuade you to leave it for later, to be less careful with your hygienic routine, or simply to drink less than required. In these instances it is important to remember that you can catheterise practically everywhere that you can find some privacy if you have a ready-to-use catheter. With a ready-to-use catheter there is no need to carry or find sterile water. Many people who use a catheter prefer to empty directly into the toilet, but you can empty into any suitable bag, such as a leg bag, a night bag, or anything else that will hold the contents without leaking. A specially designed catheter set where the catheter is integrated into a bag may prove useful in these situations.

What happens when I travel?

Always bring extra catheters when travelling as your return may be delayed. If you go to a warm climate you are likely to drink more, thus needing to catheterise more often. Always carry your catheters and other equipment in your hand luggage as checked in luggage might get lost. To avoid any possible problems with customs, ask your GP for a written statement saying that the catheters are necessary for medical reasons and are for your personal use. The statement should also include the contact details of your GP or describe your medical condition in case you need treatment. It is an advantage if the statement is made in the main international languages. Your local Coloplast branch might offer such a written statement for your convenience. Keep yourself informed about hospital and pharmacy addresses at the destination before departure. Ready-to-use catheters are not available in all countries and, even if they are, you might not want the bother of getting a doctor’s prescription while you are away. If you need to have extra catheters shipped to your destination, please remember that delivery might take longer than to your home address.

If you do not use ready-to-use catheters, do not rely on the quality of the tap water at the destination. Use bottled mineral water or a catheterisation set that includes an ampoule of water. Also make sure to disinfect your hands, as local bacteria are likely to be different from those at home.

If flying a short distance make sure to empty your bladder before departure.

If flying a long distance you can use a catheter that includes a bag. The catheterisation may take place in your seat while covering your lap with a blanket. If catheterising yourself is not possible during a long journey, you can discuss with your doctor, the possibility of using a special type of catheter that remains in your bladder throughout the journey. Keep in mind that when travelling long distances the time zone might be different at your destination and this might require some adjustment of your schedule for catheterisation.

What about sexual activity and catheterisation?

Intermittent catheterisation very rarely interferes with sexual activity. On the contrary, catheterising yourself in many cases is improving your feeling of freedom in general. It is usually advisable to empty the bladder before and after having sexual intercourse. You may discuss sexual concerns with your doctor or nurse.

Can the wide part of the catheter be inserted in the urethra?

Yes, it can. The transition from the narrow part of the catheter to the slightly wider part of the catheter is not a stop sign. A man’s urethra is 15 to 30 cm long. Depending on the length of your urethra you might need to insert the wider part of the catheter as well before the urine starts to flow. This will not harm the urethra as it is flexible and has a larger diameter than the wide part of the catheter. The widest part of the SpeediCath Control catheter is catheter size 16. At the tip of the penis, the diameter of the urethra is approximately 6-7 mm wide, corresponding to catheter size 18 to 21.