Why Coude Tip Makes a Difference

The male urethra isn't a straight path—it curves naturally, and conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or urethral strictures can create additional obstacles that make catheterization difficult or uncomfortable. Straight-tip catheters sometimes catch on these obstructions, requiring multiple attempts, causing discomfort, or failing to pass at all. The coude (French for "elbow") tip features a curved, angled design that follows the natural urethral curve and navigates around enlarged prostates or tight spots more easily. Combined with pre-lubrication that eliminates messy prep work, this catheter provides the easiest, most comfortable self-catheterization experience—especially important when you're managing this multiple times daily.

Perfect for: Men with enlarged prostate (BPH), urethral strictures or narrowing, difficulty with straight catheters, false passages, need for easier insertion, or anyone wanting ready-to-use convenience with guided navigation.

Key Features

✓ Coude (curved) tip — angled design navigates past urethral obstructions and enlarged prostates more easily
✓ Pre-lubricated and ready — no separate lube packets or messy preparation needed
✓ 14 French (14 Fr) diameter — standard size balances comfort with effective drainage
✓ 16" (40 cm) male length — appropriate length for male urethra to reach bladder
✓ Polished drainage eyelets — smooth edges minimize friction and irritation during insertion
✓ No-touch handling sleeve — allows insertion without directly touching catheter surface (on many models)
✓ Even lubrication coating — consistent coverage from tip to insertion point for smooth passage
✓ DEHP-free, BPA-free, latex-free — made without potentially harmful chemicals
✓ Sterile single-use pouch — peel-open packaging maintains sterility until use
✓ Ready immediately—no waiting for hydration or activation

What You'll Appreciate

Easier insertion — The curved tip follows your urethra's natural anatomy and guides itself around obstacles that might catch a straight tip. This means fewer attempts, less discomfort, and more successful catheterizations.

True convenience — Open the package and it's ready to use. No fumbling with separate lube packets, no mess on your hands, no additional supplies needed. Perfect for catheterizing away from home.

Smooth, comfortable passage — Pre-lubrication provides consistent, even coverage from tip to insertion point. Combined with polished eyelets, the catheter glides smoothly with minimal friction.

Cleaner handling — The no-touch sleeve lets you handle and insert the catheter without directly touching the portion that enters your body, maintaining better hygiene and reducing infection risk.

Better for challenging anatomy — If you have BPH, strictures, or have struggled with straight catheters, the coude design specifically addresses your needs with its guided navigation.

Confidence and independence — Successful, comfortable catheterization every time gives you the confidence to manage your bladder independently, whether at home or on the go.

Time savings — No prep work means you can catheterize quickly—important when you're managing this 4-6 times daily or need to catheterize in public restrooms.

Reduced irritation — Smooth insertion with good lubrication means less urethral trauma and lower risk of irritation or infection from repeated catheterizations.

How to Use

Preparation:

1. Gather supplies:
   • Sterile catheter package
   • Soap and water or antiseptic wipes
   • Container for urine collection (if not catheterizing over toilet)
   • Clean towel or paper towels
2. Wash your hands thoroughly:
   • Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds
   • Dry completely with clean towel
   • This is the most important infection prevention step
3. Position yourself:
   • Over toilet: Standing or sitting (many men prefer standing)
   • In bed: Lying back with knees bent, container positioned between legs
   • Choose the position most comfortable and accessible for you
4. Clean the penis:
   • Retract foreskin if uncircumcised
   • Clean the glans (head) and urethral opening with soap and water or antiseptic wipe
   • Wipe from the center outward in circular motion
   • Some protocols require 3 separate wipes with clean areas
   • Allow to air dry if using antiseptic

Catheter Insertion:

1. Open the sterile package:
   • Peel open the package carefully
   • Don't touch the catheter tip or the portion that will be inserted
   • The catheter is already pre-lubricated and ready
2. Identify catheter orientation:
   • Locate the coude tip—the curved, angled end
   • The curve should point upward (toward your belly) during insertion
   • This aligns with the natural urethral curve
   • Critical: If you insert with curve facing wrong direction, it won't navigate properly
3. Hold the catheter:
   • If no-touch sleeve: Hold catheter by the protective sleeve
   • Without sleeve: Hold firmly but gently near the connection/funnel end
   • Keep sterile tip from touching anything
4. Position the penis:
   • Hold penis at 60-90 degree angle (pointing toward your head)
   • This straightens the urethra for easier passage
   • Retract foreskin if uncircumcised
5. Insert the catheter:
   • Gently insert the coude tip into the urethral opening
   • Curve faces up (toward your belly)—remember this orientation
   • Use steady, gentle pressure—never force
   • Breathe slowly and try to relax pelvic muscles
   • Take deep breaths to relax sphincter muscles
6. Navigate the sphincter:
   • You may feel resistance at the external sphincter (about 2-3 inches in)
   • Don't force—pause, take a breath, try to relax
   • Gentle steady pressure usually allows passage
   • The coude tip helps guide through this area
7. Advance to bladder:
   • Continue inserting until urine begins to flow
   • Once urine starts, advance another 1-2 inches to ensure catheter is fully in bladder
   • Full insertion depth is typically 7-9 inches for most men
   • Don't stop at first urine flow—go deeper to prevent tip from coming out during drainage
8. Drain completely:
   • Hold catheter in place while bladder empties
   • This may take 1-2 minutes
   • Allow complete emptying—don't rush
   • Watch for urine flow to slow to drops
9. Remove catheter:
   • Once drainage stops, slowly withdraw the catheter
   • Continue watching for any additional urine
   • Pinch or fold the catheter while removing to prevent spillage
   • Remove completely in one smooth motion
10. Clean up:
    • Return foreskin to normal position if applicable
    • Discard catheter in trash (do not reuse)
    • Wash hands again
    • Clean any spills immediately

Important Insertion Tips:

For first-time users:

• Practice makes perfect—first few times may feel awkward
• Don't be discouraged if it takes several attempts initially
• Consider having a nurse demonstrate first time
• Some men find it helpful to practice catheter insertion under clinical supervision

Coude orientation is critical:

• Always insert with curve facing up (toward your abdomen/belly button)
• If you feel unusual resistance, you may have the curve facing the wrong direction
• Remove and try again with proper orientation

If you meet resistance:

• Stop—don't force
• Take deep breaths and relax
• Try gentle rotation of catheter
• Slight change in angle may help
• Wait a moment and try again
• If consistent difficulty, contact your healthcare provider

Ensuring complete drainage:

• Bladder should feel relieved and soft after catheterization
• Typical adult bladder holds 400-600mL
• If you're draining less than 200mL regularly, discuss with provider
• If you're consistently draining over 600mL, notify provider

Understanding Coude vs Straight Tip Catheters

When to choose coude (curved tip):

Coude catheters are recommended for:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - enlarged prostate
• Urethral strictures or narrowing
• False passages from previous trauma
• Difficulty passing straight catheters
• Repeated failed attempts with straight tips
• Healthcare provider recommendation for anatomical reasons

Coude advantages:

• Navigates around obstructions more easily
• Follows natural urethral curve
• Reduces trauma from multiple attempts
• Higher success rate with challenging anatomy
• Can prevent creation of false passages

Coude considerations:

• Must be inserted with curve facing correct direction (upward)
• Slightly more expensive than straight tips
• Requires understanding of proper orientation
• May not be necessary for uncomplicated anatomy

When straight tip is sufficient:

Straight catheters work well for:

• No prostate enlargement or urethral obstructions
• Easy, successful catheterization history
• Uncomplicated urethral anatomy
• First-time catheter users with normal anatomy

Straight advantages:

• No orientation concerns—works any direction
• Often less expensive
• Simpler for beginners
• Adequate for most users without complications

How to decide:

• Start with straight if you have no known urethral issues
• Switch to coude if straight catheters are difficult or uncomfortable
• Follow your urologist's recommendation—they know your anatomy
• Try both if unsure—many users find one type clearly more comfortable

Pre-Lubricated vs Hydrophilic vs Non-Lubricated

Understanding catheter lubrication options:

Pre-Lubricated (This Product):

• Lubrication: Gel coating applied during manufacturing
• Activation: None needed—ready immediately
• Advantages: Convenient, consistent coating, no prep, portable
• Considerations: Fixed lubrication amount (can't adjust)
• Best for: Convenience-focused users, catheterizing away from home, wanting simplest option

Hydrophilic:

• Lubrication: Coating activates with water
• Activation: Requires water packet or immersion
• Advantages: Very slippery when activated, smooth insertion
• Considerations: Needs water activation (30-60 seconds), extra step
• Best for: Users wanting maximum lubrication, those with very sensitive urethras

Non-Lubricated:

• Lubrication: None—requires separate lubricant
• Activation: Apply your own lubricant gel
• Advantages: Control exact amount of lubrication
• Considerations: Messy, requires separate lube purchase, extra supplies
• Best for: Facility use, cost-conscious users, those wanting control

Which is right for you?

• Most convenient: Pre-lubricated (this product)
• Smoothest insertion: Hydrophilic
• Most economical: Non-lubricated
• Best for travel: Pre-lubricated (this product)
• Most customizable: Non-lubricated

For intermittent catheterization 4-6 times daily, most users prefer pre-lubricated for the balance of convenience and comfort.

Troubleshooting Catheter Insertion

"I can't get the catheter to pass—it stops partway."

Possible causes and solutions:

• Sphincter spasm: Most common. Pause, breathe deeply, relax pelvic muscles, try again
• Wrong coude orientation: Remove and reinsert with curve facing up (toward belly)
• Prostate obstruction: Try gentle rotation while maintaining forward pressure; coude tip should navigate around
• Stricture or obstruction: May need different size or medical evaluation
• If resistance continues, stop and contact your healthcare provider

"Urine won't flow even though catheter is inserted."

Check:

• Is catheter in far enough? Advance another 1-2 inches after urine starts
• Is tip against bladder wall? Try gentle rotation or slight withdrawal
• Is catheter kinked? Straighten any bends in tubing
• Is bladder truly full? You may have successfully emptied earlier
• If no urine after full insertion and you feel full, contact provider

"Insertion is painful."

This shouldn't happen with proper technique:

• Stop immediately if you experience pain
• May indicate forcing against obstruction, urethral trauma, or infection
• Ensure adequate lubrication (pre-lubrication should be sufficient)
• Check that you're relaxed and not tensing muscles
• Try again more slowly with gentler pressure
• If pain persists, consult healthcare provider

"The catheter seems to be in the wrong place."

Signs catheter may not be in bladder:

• No urine flow despite full bladder sensation
• Blood in catheter or on tip (may indicate urethral trauma)
• Unusual pain or discomfort
• Feeling that catheter is hitting a wall

Action: Remove catheter gently and start over with fresh catheter. If problem persists, seek medical guidance.

"I see blood in the urine or catheter."

Small amount of blood can occur, especially with:

• Initial catheterizations (urethral irritation from learning)
• Enlarged prostate
• Urethral strictures
• Less-than-gentle insertion

When blood is concerning:

• Large amount of blood
• Persistent bleeding with multiple catheterizations
• Blood with pain
• Blood that worsens over time

Contact your healthcare provider for any concerning bleeding.

"The pre-lubrication doesn't seem like enough."

Pre-lubricated catheters have enough lubrication for most users, but:

• If truly seems insufficient, you can add a small amount of water-based lubricant
• Consider switching to hydrophilic catheters for more lubrication
• Very dry environments can affect lubrication—store catheters properly
• Check catheter hasn't expired or been damaged

Infection Prevention Best Practices

Clean intermittent catheterization when done properly is associated with low infection rates. Follow these practices:

Hand hygiene:

• Always wash hands before catheterizing—this is the single most important step
• Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Dry with clean towel
• If soap unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Genital hygiene:

• Clean penis and urethral opening before each catheterization
• Use soap and water or antiseptic wipes
• Daily shower or bath helps maintain general hygiene
• Clean under foreskin if uncircumcised

Catheter handling:

• Never touch the catheter tip or portion that will be inserted
• Use no-touch sleeve if available
• Keep catheter in sterile package until ready to use
• Don't use if package is damaged or wet

Single use only:

• Never reuse catheters
• Each catheterization requires a fresh, sterile catheter
• Discard immediately after use

Storage:

• Store catheters in cool, dry place
• Keep in original packaging until use
• Check expiration dates
• Don't use damaged or expired catheters

Frequency:

• Catheterize on schedule—typically every 4-6 hours or as directed
• Don't let bladder become over-full (increases infection risk)
• Empty completely each time

Signs of urinary tract infection:

• Fever or chills
• Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
• Burning sensation during catheterization
• Increased urgency between catheterizations
• Lower abdominal pain
• Blood in urine (beyond minor spotting)

If you suspect infection, contact your healthcare provider promptly. UTIs need treatment and may require adjustment to your catheterization routine.

Technical Specifications

Product Name: Pre-Lubricated Intermittent Urethral Catheter with Coude Tip
Gender: Male (male-length)
Size: 14 French (14 Fr) diameter
Length: 16 inches (40 cm)—appropriate for male urethra

Tip Design:

• Type: Coude (curved/angled tip)
• Purpose: Navigates past urethral obstructions and enlarged prostates
• Orientation: Must be inserted with curve facing upward (toward abdomen)

Lubrication:

• Type: Pre-lubricated with medical-grade lubricant
• Activation: None required—ready to use immediately
• Coverage: Even coating from tip through insertable length
• Benefit: No mess, no separate prep, consistent lubrication

Drainage:

• Eyelets: Polished for smooth insertion and effective drainage
• Design: Positioned to optimize urine flow
• Size: 14 Fr provides good drainage capacity

Handling:

• No-touch sleeve: Available on many models for hygienic insertion
• Grip area: Designated holding area to prevent contamination
• Funnel end: For directing urine flow

Materials:

• DEHP-free: No di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
• BPA-free: No bisphenol A
• Latex-free: Not made with natural rubber latex
• Medical-grade: Biocompatible materials safe for urethral contact

Sterility and Use:

• Sterility: Individually packaged sterile
• Sterilization: Factory sterilized per medical device standards
• Use: Single use only—never reuse
• Patient: Single-patient use
• Shelf life: Check package for expiration date

Packaging:

• Format: Individual peel-open pouch
• Material: Medical-grade sterile packaging
• Opening: Easy-peel design maintains sterility until use
• Disposal: Standard medical waste disposal after use

Regulatory:

• Medical device for intermittent catheterization
• Use only as directed by qualified healthcare provider
• Prescription may be required depending on location

Clinical Applications: ✓ Intermittent catheterization for urinary retention
✓ Neurogenic bladder management
✓ Post-operative bladder drainage
✓ Patients with BPH or urethral strictures
✓ Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) programs
✓ Home-based bladder management

Ordering Guidance

When to choose this catheter:

• You have enlarged prostate (BPH) or urethral obstructions
• Straight catheters are difficult or uncomfortable
• You want ready-to-use convenience
• You catheterize away from home frequently
• Healthcare provider recommended coude tip
• You need 14 Fr diameter and male length

Size considerations:

14 French (this product):

• Most common size for adult men
• Balances comfort with effective drainage
• Recommended starting size for most users

Smaller sizes (10-12 Fr):

• For very sensitive urethras
• Slower drainage
• May be more comfortable initially

Larger sizes (16-18 Fr):

• For thicker urine or drainage concerns
• Faster drainage
• May be less comfortable

Always follow your healthcare provider's size recommendation.

Coude vs straight decision:

• If you have BPH or strictures: Start with coude
• If straight works well: No need to switch
• If unsure: Try both and compare
• Follow provider guidance: They know your anatomy best

Quantity to order:

Typical usage:

• Most users catheterize 4-6 times per day
• Monthly need: 120-180 catheters
• Order: 30-day supply (1 box typically contains 30-100 catheters)

Insurance coverage:

• Many insurance plans cover intermittent catheters
• Requires prescription and medical documentation
• Coverage typically allows 5-6 catheters per day
• Work with DME supplier for insurance billing

Out-of-pocket:

• Pre-lubricated catheters cost more than non-lubricated
• Convenience and reduced infection risk often worth the cost
• Consider monthly supply to reduce per-unit cost

Storage and travel:

• Keep 30-day supply at home
• Carry 2-3 catheters in discreet carry case for daily use
• Store extras in multiple locations (car, office, travel bag)

Pro tip: Work with a dedicated catheter supply company rather than general medical supply. They often provide better pricing, insurance expertise, and discreet home delivery. Many offer free samples to try different styles before committing to full boxes.

For questions about proper catheter selection, insertion technique, or managing catheterization challenges, consult with your urologist, urology nurse, or continence specialist for personalized guidance and hands-on instruction.