What does a urinary catheter help with?

A urinary catheter is a medical device used to help drain urine from the bladder when a person is unable to do so naturally. It is particularly useful for individuals who may have medical conditions or circumstances that prevent normal urination, such as urinary retention or specific surgeries. By providing a direct pathway for urine to flow out of the bladder and into a collection bag, a urinary catheter effectively assists individuals in managing their urinary output.

Maintaining bladder control or preventing urinary tract infections, while important aspects of urinary health, are not the primary functions of a urinary catheter. Therefore, the main purpose of the catheter is aligned with facilitating the removal of urine from the body.