Yesterday afternoon, I joined the fraternity of men-who-have-had-a-tube-inserted-up-their-urethra. Or more likely, “down,” since I was probably on my back during the procedure. I was asleep at the time, or at least under the influence of Versed, so I have no knowledge of what exactly happened, but later on, I realized that I’m unclear on some of the nuances.
I understand that insertion is more likely to be done through a flaccid penis, and in many instances, the urethra of a flaccid penis will present a significantly shorter pathway to the bladder than when it is erect. This has me wondering: does the urethra stretch a lot when the penis is erect, or does it accordion down when flaccid? Please note: I don’t want to hear about it telescoping in multiple concentric tubes, so even if that’s the correct answer, just walk on by.
If the urethra accordions down, does this potentially make for a tortuous path (I’m picturing the Pocket Hose I use to water my backyard)? Alternatively, if its normal state is short and straight, and it stretches during an erection, does the inner diameter decrease? Also, in the case of the patient who would be described as “a shower, not a grower” and doesn’t present a shorter pathway in any event, is catheter insertion a more difficult process?
Don’t need answer fast; simply indulging in some idle curiosity. TIA.
I’ve put in my share of foleys, I’ve never noticed any corrugation of the inner surface of the urethra. I don’t think about the length (or depth) I just keep going until I get a urine return or until the y at the end of the foley is at the meatus (exterior opening) them wait to see urine before inflating the retention balloon.
I’ve inserted foleys in varying states from flaccid to full erection. Not much difference to me. The most difficult is the poor little old men with nothing but a button left, there is nothing to hold onto while trying to insert.
What I want to know is, how to you steer the catheter in the right direction? In particular, where the ejaculatory duct meets the urethra, you have a Y in the road going up.
It doesn’t “go” anywhere. Adipose tissue (fat) builds up around the base, in effect shortening the shaft. As the person gains weight, the fat gradually builds up indefinitely. Supposedly, for every 35 pounds a man gains, his erect penis is effectively shortened by one inch.
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I don’t anticipate there being a next time, but what is a Texas catheter?
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It’s like a reservoir tip condom but heavier material with a sticky portion so it doesn’t just slide off. The open-ended tip is sized to plug into tubing for collection.
The big functional difference is that an external or Texas catheter leaves urination under your control. A Foley goes into the bladder so you have no control - it just keeps on draining.
AFAIK, there’s not much call for them in a typical hospital setting. Probably more common at nursing or convalescent homes for guys who can’t get out of bed but still have bladder control.
Slightly off topic, but whistling helps if you are not used to catheter insertion. Start whistling and it helps with the discomfort.
My amusing story about Foley Catheters:
I have a Spinal Cord Injury. When I first got hurt, I could not urinate…my body was still in shock and I could not use my muscles. A catheter was inserted for the first time, which was really painful (I had never even thought they did that). It was a Foley.
In rehab, I had grown used to the Foley being in. The doctors informed me after 3 weeks that the Foley had to come out. They said either you learn to go on your own, or you IC (intermittent catheterize) yourself. ICing is when you do it to yourself, several times a day. I was really scared to let go of the Foley, because I didn’t want to have to learn to catheterize myself (even though they told me I’d get used to it.)
They forced my hand on the issue and took it out. I tried desperately to urinate independently, but nothing was happening for three or four hours. They were about to put in another Foley and start teaching me to catheterize myself, when I shouted,
“Wait! Can I shower first?”
I went in the shower and the water did its magic. I urinated what seemed like gallons and never looked back. I never did have to use a catheter again except for once a year at the urologist. I now go independently, and it just goes to show you that being in a shower, around all that water, will make you go.
I’m sorry the OP has the experience of a Foley. I wouldn’t wish catheters on anyone, except maybe the person that caused my Spinal cord injury. Hope OP is feeling better!
When one is inserting a foley in a woman, one hand is spreading the labia, and that helps to give a steady , stabilized target to hit. With the buttons, there is nothing to hold on to, and the button itself is sort of…floppy and slippery. Difficulty increases if the button is also uncircumcised.
