Why Female-Length Intermittent Catheters

Women's urethras are significantly shorter than men's, requiring only 7-inch catheters for effective bladder drainage. This compact length provides easier positioning, more discreet disposal, and efficient emptying without the excess material needed for male catheterization.

Key Features & Benefits

• Female 7-inch (18 cm) length specifically designed for female anatomy and efficient bladder emptying
• Straight, tapered tip facilitates smooth insertion through female urethra
• Two polished eyelets promote steady urine flow and comfortable drainage
• Uncoated PVC material allows use with sterile lubricant of your choice
• Flexible yet firm construction provides control during self-catheterization
• Clear tubing allows visual monitoring of urine flow and characteristics
• Color-coded funnels enable quick French size identification (varies by size)
• Latex-free, DEHP-free safe for sensitive users
• Sterile, single-use prevents cross-contamination
• Bulk packaging: 100 catheters per box provides excellent value for frequent users
• Compact length is easy to handle and position during self-catheterization
• Low-friction polished eyelets help reduce urethral irritation
• Discreet size for convenient disposal after use
• Clear sizing funnels simplify stocking and selection for caregivers
• Cost-effective bulk packaging for long-term intermittent catheterization needs

Clinical Applications

Ideal for female patients with: ✓ Urinary retention requiring intermittent catheterization multiple times daily ✓ Neurogenic bladder from spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological conditions ✓ Incomplete bladder emptying due to weak bladder muscles or obstruction ✓ Post-operative urinary management following pelvic or urological surgery ✓ Bladder rehabilitation programs teaching self-catheterization skills ✓ Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) regimens prescribed by healthcare providers ✓ Need for scheduled bladder emptying to prevent complications ✓ Overflow incontinence from chronic retention ✓ Preference for uncoated catheters with customizable lubrication

Usage & Application

Preparation & Supplies:

• Verify you have correct catheter size prescribed by healthcare provider
• Gather supplies: catheter, sterile lubricant, antiseptic wipes (if prescribed), clean towel, receptacle for urine collection
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Dry hands completely with clean towel
• Find comfortable, private location with good lighting
• Position yourself appropriately (sitting on toilet, standing with one foot elevated, or lying down)
• Have waste container nearby for catheter disposal
• Open sterile catheter package carefully without touching catheter shaft

Lubrication:

1. Remove catheter from sterile package by handling only the funnel end
2. Apply generous amount of sterile water-based lubricant to catheter tip
3. Lubricate first 2-3 inches of catheter shaft for comfortable insertion
4. Some users prefer to lubricate entire catheter length for smoother handling
5. Use only water-based sterile lubricants—avoid petroleum-based products
6. Do not touch lubricated portion of catheter

Cleaning the Urethral Area:

1. Use antiseptic wipes or clean washcloth with soap and water
2. Separate labia with non-dominant hand
3. Clean from front to back using one wipe per stroke
4. Use three separate wipes: one for each labial fold, one for urethral opening
5. Keep labia separated until catheter is inserted
6. Identify urethral opening (between clitoris and vaginal opening)

Insertion:

1. Hold catheter funnel end with dominant hand
2. Keep labia separated with non-dominant hand
3. Locate urethral opening visually or by feel (above vaginal opening)
4. Insert catheter gently at slight upward angle toward belly button
5. Use steady, gentle pressure—never force insertion
6. Continue inserting until urine begins to flow (typically 2-3 inches)
7. Advance catheter an additional ½-1 inch after urine starts flowing
8. If catheter enters vagina by mistake, remove, re-lubricate fresh catheter, and try again
9. Hold catheter in place during drainage—do not let it slip out

Drainage:

1. Allow urine to drain completely into toilet or collection container
2. Do not remove catheter until urine flow stops completely
3. Drainage typically takes 2-5 minutes depending on bladder volume
4. You may gently press on lower abdomen to ensure complete emptying
5. Monitor urine color and clarity—note any changes
6. If flow stops before bladder feels empty, rotate catheter slightly or advance further
7. Wait for any additional urine to drain
8. Ensure bladder feels empty before removal

Removal and Disposal:

1. After urine flow stops completely, slowly withdraw catheter
2. Remove in same gentle, steady motion as insertion
3. Pinch catheter during removal to prevent dribbling
4. Wipe urethral area clean with tissue or wipe
5. Wrap used catheter in tissue or place in disposal bag
6. Dispose in household trash (not toilet)—follow local regulations
7. Wash hands thoroughly after procedure
8. Never reuse intermittent catheters—each catheter is single-use only

Frequency Guidelines:

• Follow catheterization schedule prescribed by healthcare provider
• Typical frequency: every 4-6 hours or as directed
• Common schedules: 4-6 times per day
• Catheterize before bedtime to prevent nighttime accidents
• May need to adjust frequency based on fluid intake
• Maintain consistent schedule to prevent overfilling bladder
• Do not allow more than 400-500 mL to accumulate in bladder

Troubleshooting:

• Cannot locate urethra: Use mirror for better visibility or seek assistance
• Catheter won't advance: Relax pelvic muscles, try different angle, use more lubricant
• No urine flow: Advance catheter further, may not be in bladder yet
• Urine flow stops: Catheter may be against bladder wall—rotate slightly or withdraw ½ inch
• Pain during insertion: Stop, use more lubricant, relax, try gentler pressure
• Blood in urine: Minor spotting normal initially; persistent bleeding requires medical evaluation
• Difficulty inserting: May need smaller size catheter—consult healthcare provider

Storage:

• Store catheters in cool, dry place
• Keep in original packaging until ready to use
• Protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
• Check expiration dates before use
• Do not use if package is damaged or opened

When to Contact Healthcare Provider:

• Persistent difficulty inserting catheter
• Blood in urine beyond first few uses
• Pain, burning, or discomfort during catheterization
• Signs of urinary tract infection (cloudy urine, foul odor, fever, pain)
• Unable to drain bladder completely
• Urethral bleeding or trauma
• Questions about technique or schedule

Product Specifications

Type: Intermittent catheter, straight tip (female)
Length: 7 inches (18 cm) for female anatomy
Tip Style: Straight, tapered for comfortable insertion
Eyelets: Two polished drainage eyes for steady flow
Material: Uncoated PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Lubrication: Requires separate sterile lubricant (not pre-lubricated)
Funnel: Standard funnel with color-coded size identification (varies by French size)
Flexibility: Flexible yet firm for controlled insertion
Transparency: Clear tubing for visual flow monitoring
Latex Content: Latex-free—safe for latex-sensitive users
DEHP: DEHP-free formulation
Sterility: Sterile, individually packaged
Use: Single-patient, single-use only—never reuse
Packaging: Box of 100 catheters for long-term value
French Sizes: Available in multiple sizes (specify at order)
Best For: Female patients requiring clean intermittent catheterization with customizable lubrication preferences

Amici Classic™ female intermittent catheters deliver smooth, comfortable bladder drainage with 7-inch female-specific length, polished eyelets, and flexible uncoated PVC construction—providing reliable performance for clean intermittent catheterization with the freedom to choose your preferred sterile lubricant, conveniently packaged 100 per box for exceptional value.