You and Health

A urine bag is a piece of equipment that is used along with some type of catheter to help empty a person’s bladder regularly. These bags are used with all different types of catheters. There are two types of bags commonly used by people- the leg bag and the down drain. Leg bags are connected to the individual’s leg and can be worn underneath clothes so that no one notices you have a catheter. The down drain bag is one used at night to hold urine while the individual is sleeping.

A urine bag must be used properly in order to get the most out of your equipment and to ensure that you avoid infections from the use of a bag and catheter. Before you connect your catheter to the drainage bag, you will need to scrub your hands in warm water with soap to disinfect them. Take the end of your catheter and swab it with alcohol to sterilize it. Take the end of the catheter and connect it to the drainage tube attached to the drainage bag. Some types of catheters use clamps as a means to be secure to the drainage bag. Read more…

Many medical conditions might require the use of a catheter.  Whether short-term or long-term use is necessary, they are used to allow the drainage of fluids, usually urine, from the body.  Aside from urinary incontinence, they might also be used to drain fluids from an abscess, to administer intravenous fluids, to measure intracranial pressure, or to administer anesthetic medication.  Urinary catheters are the most common type, and there are three main types of these catheters: indwelling, intermittent, and condom catheters.  Depending on your condition, your doctor will determine which type will be the most effective treatment method for you.

An indwelling urinary catheter is left in the bladder and can be used for a long or short period of time.  They use a drainage bag to collect urine and are inserted into the urethra.  These are perhaps the most common type of catheters used and are the best choice for long-term use.  They might be used for patients with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or other injuries and illnesses requiring long-term use.  Intermittent catheters are best for short-term use.  They could be used after a surgery, or when collection of urine is temporarily needed for various reasons. Read more…