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Intermittent coude catheters are a type of urinary catheter designed for individuals who experience difficulty inserting a standard straight-tip catheter. The key distinguishing feature is their curved or angled tip (coude means "elbowed" in French). This unique design helps navigate around obstructions in the urethra, such as an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH), urethral strictures (narrowing), scar tissue, or false passages, which are more common in men but can affect women as well.

There are different types of coude tips:
Tapered Tip: The most common, featuring a short, strong curve that's slightly smaller at the insertion point, ideal for bypassing enlarged prostates or navigating strictures.
Tiemann Tip: Characterized by a longer, more flexible, and tapered tip, useful for navigating narrow urethral passages.
Olive Tip: Has a shorter, ball-shaped, rounded end that can help in getting around obstructions like false passages.

Major Manufacturers of Intermittent Coude Catheters include:

Coloplast: Known for innovative products like the SpeediCath and Self-Cath lines, including coude tip options.
Hollister: Offers various intermittent catheters, including coude tips with features like their VaPro No Touch Protection.
Bard (BD): A long-standing leader in urology, offering a range of coude catheter options.
Cure Medical: Known for their commitment to quality and for producing catheters that are not made with DEHP, BPA, or natural rubber latex.
GentleCath: Offers lines like GentleCath Air and GentleCath Glide with FeelClean Technology.
Rusch (part of Teleflex Medical): Produces various catheters, including coude tips like the Tiemann.
Cardinal Health: Offers their Dover line of coude catheters.

Managing bladder health with precision requires specialized solutions. Intermittent coude catheters feature a gentle curve at the tip to accommodate more challenging urethral anatomy, providing smoother, safer self-catheterization for individuals who experience difficulty with standard straight-tip catheters.

These intermittent catheter devices offer reliable urine drainage while reducing the risk of urethral blockage, trauma, infection, or discomfort associated with urinary retention.

At ATC Medical, we offer a variety of lengths, French sizes, diameters, and materials, including pre-lubricated and hydrophilic intermittent catheters. Coude catheters accommodate diverse patient needs and are compatible with urethral catheter systems, collection bags, and other accessories in our catheter supply order process, making them suitable for both home care and clinical settings.

They are designed to combine comfort, safety, and independence, and support daily urinary catheterization with confidence.

What Makes Coude Catheters Different?

Unlike standard intermittent straight catheters, coude catheters feature a gently curved tip that allows easier navigation around anatomical obstructions, enlarged prostates, or urethral strictures. They are commonly used in urology to facilitate challenging catheterizations, reduce friction, and minimize the risk of urethral irritation, discomfort, or trauma during insertion.

The catheters are available in silicone, PVC, natural rubber latex, and hydrophilic-coated materials to ensure smooth insertion and reliable performance. Many options include polished eyelets for a smoother surface and are single-use devices, helping to maintain sterile conditions and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Their versatile design makes them suitable for pediatric patients, adults, and geriatric users who require specialized catheterization solutions or complete intermittent catheter kits.

Benefits of Intermittent Coude Catheter Use

Intermittent coude catheters promote bladder health by supporting complete drainage, preventing over-distention, and reducing complications associated with long-term catheter use. They allow users to perform self-catheterization safely, maintain independence, and integrate seamlessly into their urinary care routine.

The curved coude tip ensures reliable navigation for patients with neurogenic bladders, prostate conditions, or urethral obstructions, while catheter lubricants used with hydrophilic or pre-lubricated options reduce discomfort and improve overall patient comfort. Using these catheters also decreases the need for repeated insertions, reducing trauma and enhancing daily confidence.

Maximizing Comfort and Safety with Coude Catheters

Effective use of a coude catheter is about ensuring comfort, reducing urethral irritation, and maintaining bladder health. Choosing the correct French size, catheter length, and material is crucial for smooth urethral navigation, particularly for individuals with enlarged prostates or urethral strictures.

Integrating coude catheters into a structured urinary care routine helps maintain hygiene and reduces the risk of UTIs. Using compatible closed-system catheters or collection bags ensures safe and discreet urine drainage. Proper handling, including single-use device disposal and careful rotation, supports long-term bladder health.

At ATC Medical, we provide consistent reliability, empowering users to manage intermittent catheterization confidently at home, in long-term care, or in clinical settings.