62% of 172 UK catheter users surveyed say they wish they had another option, rising to 71% among Foley/indwelling catheter users
A new patient-reported survey adds to a growing body of evidence that long-term catheter use carries a substantial and under-recognised burden on quality of life, with majority of respondents saying they would welcome an alternative to their current device.
The survey, conducted by UK medical device company Ingenion Medical among 172 catheter users and carers, found that 62% wished they had another catheter option overall, rising to 71% among those using a Foley (indwelling) catheter, compared with 48% of those using intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC).
Across the cohort, average self-reported quality of life was five out of ten, with respondents reporting an average of 1.8 UTIs in the past year. Catheter-related discomfort was reported by 41% of respondents, and complications in the past three months included leakage or bypassing (23%), UTIs (18%), pain or difficulty during insertion (16%) and catheter blockage (14%), with rates varying by catheter type.
The findings are published to mark Urology Awareness Month, the UK-wide campaign run each September by The Urology Foundation to raise awareness of urological conditions and encourage earlier diagnosis, treatment and open conversation about symptoms.
Mr Wasim Mahmalji, Consultant Urological Surgeon, said:
“What strikes me is the appetite for something different. Seven in ten men with an indwelling catheter told this survey they wished they had another option, and six in ten wanted to know more about alternatives without being prompted with any particular product. That is a clear signal that bladder management deserves a fresh alternative.”
Beyond the physical burden, the survey points to substantial impact on daily functioning: 58% of respondents said catheter use affects their ability to travel or leave the house, 49% cited an impact on relationships or intimacy, and 37% reported a negative effect on mental health.
When asked what single change would most improve their day-to-day experience, respondents most frequently cited a more comfortable or discreet product (34%), ahead of reducing the frequency of UTIs or complications (21%) and better information and ongoing support from healthcare professionals (18%).
Ed Cappabianca, CEO of Ingenion Medical, said:
“These findings reinforce what many clinicians already see anecdotally; that the burden of long-term catheterisation extends well beyond the physical, and that comfort and dignity are consistently the priority patients raise. We hope this patient-reported data adds a practical evidence base clinicians can draw on in conversations about catheter management options. We are keen to work with patients’ urologists and nurses to determine whether cymactive™ can make a positive impact on their quality of life.”
The survey adds to the evidence base supporting patient-led, quality-of-life-focused conversations in catheter care, alongside existing clinical research into alternative approaches to long-term catheter management. 61% of respondents said they would like more information about new catheter technologies, despite receiving no product information as part of the survey.
Ingenion Medical's cymactive™, a CE-marked (Class IIb) patient-controlled magnetic valve system is listed on the NHS Supply Chain framework and is one alternative to traditional catheter options for men with chronic urinary retention. The company says it is using the survey findings to shape a wider programme of patient education and clinician-facing resources building on Urology Awareness Month.
