Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Standard Catheter for Men

Standard catheter

A urinary catheter is a small, flexible tube that can be inserted through the urethra and into the bladder, allowing urine to drain. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

Standard catheters are often used for intermittent self-catheterization. A thin, flexible, hollow tube is inserted through the urethra into the bladder and allows the urine to drain out. In intermittent catheterization, the catheter is inserted, the bladder is drained, and the catheter is immediately taken out.

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.