Why No-Connector Design for Female Intermittent Catheters

Female catheters drain directly into the toilet or collection container—unlike male catheters where longer tubing and collection bags may be needed. The no-connector (open-ended) design eliminates unnecessary bulk, creating a simpler, more compact catheter that's easier to handle and more discreet to carry. The open funnel end allows urine to drain freely into the toilet without requiring additional connection points that add complexity and potential contamination sites. For women performing self-catheterization, the streamlined no-connector design means fewer components to manage, faster drainage, and easier disposal—the catheter goes straight from package to use to waste without adapters or accessories. The 6-inch length is specifically sized for female urethral anatomy (approximately 1.5-2 inches), providing adequate handling length without the excessive tubing needed for male catheterization.

Key Features

• Female-specific 6-inch length: appropriate for shorter female urethral anatomy
• 14 French (14 Fr) diameter: moderate size for comfortable insertion and adequate flow
• Straight tip design: smooth insertion for straightforward female anatomy
• Polished drainage eyelets: reduce friction and urethral irritation
• No connector end: open funnel for direct drainage—simpler, more compact
• Smooth surface: low-friction material for comfortable insertion
• Medical-grade construction: flexible yet maintains shape for easy insertion
• Latex-free materials: safe for latex-sensitive users
• Sterile single-use packaging: ready for clean intermittent catheterization
• Compact size: discreet for carrying in purse, pocket, or travel bag

Benefits

• Eliminates complexity with no-connector simplicity—drain directly into toilet
• Comfortable insertion with smooth surface and polished eyelets
• Compact design enhances portability and discretion
• Adequate flow through properly sized eyelets for efficient bladder emptying
• Single-use sterile format reduces infection risk
• Easy disposal after use—no connectors to remove
• Cost-effective basic catheterization solution

Clinical Applications

✓ Neurogenic bladder: reliable emptying for spinal cord injury or MS patients
✓ Urinary retention: relief for incomplete bladder emptying
✓ Post-surgical catheterization: gentle drainage during recovery periods
✓ Bladder management programs: scheduled intermittent catheterization
✓ Female-specific anatomy: designed for shorter urethral length
✓ Self-catheterization: appropriate for independent use by female patients
✓ Caregiver-assisted catheterization: simplified handling for caregivers
✓ Active lifestyles: compact size for catheterization at work, school, or travel

Usage & Application

For women requiring intermittent urinary catheterization as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Suitable for self-catheterization or caregiver-assisted use.

To use:

1. Prepare supplies: Gather catheter, water-soluble lubricant (if needed), clean towel or wipes, and toilet or collection container
2. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
3. Position yourself comfortably:
   • Sitting on toilet with knees apart, or
   • Standing with one foot elevated on toilet seat
   • Choose position that allows you to comfortably reach urethral opening
4. Open catheter package carefully without touching the catheter shaft
5. Lubricate if needed: Apply water-soluble lubricant to catheter tip (some users find natural body moisture sufficient)
6. Locate urethral opening: Use one hand to gently separate labia to expose urethral meatus (opening above vaginal opening, below clitoris)
7. Hold catheter by funnel end:
   • Grip the open funnel end firmly—this is your handle
   • Keep grip on the funnel throughout insertion and drainage
   • Do not touch catheter shaft to maintain sterility
8. Insert catheter gently:
   • Guide catheter tip into urethral opening using gentle, steady pressure
   • Use a slight upward angle toward your belly button
9. Advance until urine flows:
   • Insert approximately 2-3 inches or until urine begins draining
   • Due to short female urethra, flow typically begins quickly
10. Allow complete drainage:

• The open funnel end drains directly into toilet or container
• No connector means urine flows freely without obstruction
• Hold catheter steady and let bladder empty fully (typically 1-3 minutes)
• Some users gently bear down to ensure complete emptying

11. Monitor flow: If flow stops before bladder feels empty, gently advance catheter slightly further
12. Withdraw slowly: Once drainage stops, slowly and gently remove catheter
13. Dispose properly: Place used catheter in waste receptacle—never attempt to clean or reuse
14. Wash hands again after procedure

Frequency: Catheterize as often as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically 4-6 times daily or as needed to maintain bladder health and prevent overdistension.

Lubricant use: Some women prefer using water-soluble lubricant for added comfort, while others find their natural moisture sufficient. Experiment to find what works best for you.

Finding the urethral opening: Many women find it helpful to use a mirror initially to visualize anatomy. With practice, catheterization becomes easier and can be done by touch alone. The urethral opening is:

• Above the vaginal opening
• Below the clitoris
• Small opening that may be slightly recessed

No-connector benefits:

• Faster drainage: No narrow connection points to slow flow
• Simpler cleanup: Just withdraw and discard—no connectors to remove
• Less contamination risk: Fewer connection points mean fewer opportunities for bacteria
• More compact: Easier to carry and handle than catheters with connectors
• Direct disposal: Goes straight from use to waste

If you experience difficulty:

• Cannot locate urethral opening → Use a mirror or consult with healthcare provider for guidance
• Resistance during insertion → Do not force—withdraw and try again with fresh catheter
• No urine flow → Advance catheter slightly further or try relaxing pelvic muscles
• Pain or bleeding → Stop immediately and contact healthcare provider
• Catheter accidentally enters vagina → Very common mistake—discard catheter and use fresh one for correct placement

Important: Single use only. Never attempt to clean, sterilize, or reuse intermittent catheters. Each catheterization requires a fresh, sterile catheter.

Technical Specifications

• Product type: Intermittent urinary catheter, female
• Size: 14 French (14 Fr)
• Length: 6 inches (15 cm)
• Tip design: Straight tip
• Eyelets: Polished, smooth drainage eyes (typically 2 opposing eyes)
• Funnel end: Open funnel (no connector)—direct drainage design
• Drainage method: Drains directly into toilet or collection container
• Surface: Smooth, low-friction material
• Material: Medical-grade (PVC or similar), flexible
• Latex status: Not made with natural rubber latex
• Coating: Uncoated (use with water-soluble lubricant if desired)
• Sterility: Individually packaged, sterile (ETO or radiation sterilization)
• Packaging: Single catheter per sterile pouch
• Intended use: Intermittent catheterization only—not for indwelling use
• Gender-specific design: Female anatomy (short urethral length)
• Disposal: Single-patient use; dispose after each catheterization