Choosing the Appropriate Catheter Lubrication Method
In women, the urethra is short and anatomically simple, and some can perform catheterization smoothly even without lubricant. However, in men, the urethra is longer and structurally more complex, making catheterization more prone to complications such as bleeding or urinary tract infection.
As early as 2011, the Guidelines for the Nursing of Neurogenic Bladder issued by the Rehabilitation Nursing Committee of the Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine clearly stated: when using non-coated or standard catheters, lubricants must be applied. This reduces friction between the catheter and urethral mucosa, increases comfort, and ensures smooth insertion into the bladder.
There are various types of catheter lubricants, but the most commonly used in clinical practice are paraffin oil and lubricating coatings (such as hydrophilic coatings). The question is: which of these is more suitable for clean intermittent catheterization (CIC)?
Let’s compare them from the following perspectives.
In 2019, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued an announcement to reduce the risk of repeated adverse events related to catheter balloon rupture. The notice emphasized that in clinical practice, the correct lubricant should be selected according to the catheter material. The use of lubricating coatings is recommended, and for latex catheters, petroleum-based lubricants such as liquid paraffin and Vaseline should be avoided.
Key Performance Comparison Between Petroleum-based Lubricants and Lubricating Coatings
| Dimension | Paraffin Oil (Lubricant Gel/Oil) | Hydrophilic-coated Catheter |
| Composition | Vaseline, paraffin oil, or silicone oil | Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) |
| Lubrication Duration | Oily coating is not easily washed away by body fluids; lasts >30 minutes | Even, stable coating; less likely to detach; lasts <15 minutes |
| Risk of UTI | Residual oily film may damage the urethral mucosa and increase risk of urinary tract infection | Lower risk of infection |
| Material Compatibility | Use with caution on latex catheters, as it may cause balloon rupture | Compatible with latex, silicone, and PVC catheters |
| Comfort | Noticeable greasy sensation; may cause discomfort or allergies in sensitive users | Smooth surface with no greasy feeling; reduces discomfort during insertion |
| Safety | Lower biosafety; higher risk of urethral infection and related complications | Excellent biocompatibility with human tissue; reduces trauma and infection risk |
Lubricating coatings provide clear advantages in terms of safety, comfort, and infection control, making them the mainstream choice for intermittent catheters. Therefore, when performing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), it is recommended to use catheters with lubricating coatings. In contrast, paraffin oil, Vaseline, and other petroleum-based lubricants tend to leave residues in the body, pose potential health risks, and offer less effective lubrication. Their use should be avoided whenever possible.
Features of Daxan Intermittent Catheters
Daxan Hydrophilic-coated intermittent catheters are designed with patient comfort and ease of use in mind, providing a significantly more convenient and gentle insertion experience. The advanced hydrophilic coating effectively reduces friction between the catheter surface and the delicate urethral mucosa, minimizing discomfort during catheterization. Additionally, the catheter features a hot-polished side eyelet, which not only enhances smooth passage but also helps to prevent mucosal injury. This careful design reduces trauma to the urethra, thereby substantially lowering the risk of urinary tract infections and promoting better overall urinary health for users. Together, these features make Daxan catheters a safer, more comfortable option for intermittent catheterization.