It is Benjamin Franklin who is credited with developing the first flexible catheter in 1752 which was made from hinged segments of metal, but today, self catheter supplies are much more advanced and safer to use. In fact, modern self catheter supplies were invented by David S. Sheridan in the 1940s who was dubbed the catheter king by Forbes Magazine in 1988. Regardless of what kind of Medicare catheter coverage you have, you will find that if you do not want to get a urinary tract infection after catheter use that you will do well to purchase the best self catheter supplies that you can find.

One of the biggest use for self catheter supplies is for people who have spinal cord injuries. More than a third of spinal cord associated injuries happen from motor vehicle accidents and over 80 percent are reported to occur to men. While the national incidence of people surviving with spinal cord injuries is about 12,000 every year, many have problems with their bladder as a result and this is why self catheter supplies are crucial. If you have such an injury and you are looking for self catheterization supplies, you will find that you can help your quality of life to be a little better by not having to rely on someone else to help you relieve your bladder all the time.

Even if you do not have a spinal cord injury, getting Foley catheter supplies will prove to be extremely useful for you if you have trouble relieving your bladder. This is because you will be able to live your life like people who have a normal functioning bladder do. You can simply carry your supplies with you and use them as you need to.

One of the biggest fears that people have, even with modern equipment, is getting a urinary tract infection from catheter use. Fortunately, there are special catheters available that can make it easier not only for you to use them, but a lot safer. By closing off as much contact to the outside as possible, it makes it difficult for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.

Ultimately, whether you are disabled or not, if you have a bladder problem that can be fixed by a catheter, you should not hold back. Getting your supplies from the right source will prove to be effective and inexpensive. Using them will make your life a lot better.