If you suffer from incontinence and find that you need a catheter, you probably have a lot of questions about the subject and you don’t know where to begin to find the answers that you need. Increasing your knowledge of catheters will assist you in making the decisions that need to be made when it is time to make the purchase.

Catheters are not at all expensive. The rubber, reusable brands cost between $7 and $12. As long as you properly clean these, they can be reused a number of times. The disposable brands can be purchased for approximately $2 to $3. Some stores sell them individually, but they are usually available for purchase in cartons of 30. Purchases can be made over the Internet at a variety of online stores or you can try your local medical supply store.

You will need to locate a doctor to prescribe the catheters. You can ask your primary doctor for advice and he can refer you to an urologist. You can also ask your physician for advice on the best place to purchase them. If for some reason you don’t have a primary doctor, you can call different doctors to find one that might best suit you. Try to find one that will help you learn how to insert them, as some doctors do not want to assist you in this area. Before you make the appointment, ask the nurse if the doctor will be able and willing to teach you how to do intermittent self-catheterization. This way you don’t have to waste your time visiting a doctor who cannot help you.

With the use of catheters comes the risk of infection and you will want to minimize your risk as much as possible. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to protect yourself. After catheter use, be sure to drink plenty of fluids so that you can empty your bladder frequently. Another thing that will help reduce the risk of infection is to drink fruit juices that have acid, such as cranberry juice. Cranberry pills are available as well. If you do develop an infection, your physician will most likely give you sulfa tablets or whatever antibiotic is best for you. It is important to discuss these issues openly with your doctor, as the treatments will vary depending on how your physician thinks it should be handled. Becoming educated on such issues is essential to ensure your health.