Cure Medical Male Straight Tip 16" Intermittent Catheter

SKUs: M8 | M10 | M12 | M14 | M16 | M18  |  16" Male Length  |  Straight Tip  |  DEHP-Free  |  BPA-Free  |  Latex Free  |  Prescription Required  |  FSA Eligible

A 16" single-use uncoated intermittent catheter for male anatomy — available in six French sizes from 8Fr to 18Fr to accommodate a wide range of prescribed sizes. Constructed from non-carcinogenic, DEHP-free, BPA-free PVC. Fire-polished eyelets for smooth, low-trauma insertion and maximum urine flow. Funnel end. Package opens from both ends for ease of access during preparation. Requires separate lubricant. Prescription required. Cure Medical donates a portion of every sale to spinal cord injury research. Sold individually, 30/pack, or 300/case.

Order by French Size

French size is prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change size without consulting your provider. Questions? 1-866-218-0902

Key Features

• 16" (40cm) length — required for male urethral anatomy
• Straight tip — for uncomplicated urethral anatomy
• Fire-polished eyelets — smooth, rounded drainage eyes for comfortable insertion and removal with minimal urethral friction
• DEHP-free and BPA-free PVC — non-carcinogenic materials; no phthalate plasticizers or bisphenol compounds
• Six French sizes — 8Fr, 10Fr, 12Fr, 14Fr, 16Fr, 18Fr — broad range to match any prescribed size
• Funnel end — open funnel for directing drainage into toilet or collection container
• Dual-end opening package — package opens from both ends for flexible access during preparation
• Uncoated — requires separate water-based lubricant before each use
• Single-use disposable — do not reuse
• Male anatomy only — 16" length; not appropriate for female or pediatric use
• Cure Medical donates a portion of every sale to spinal cord injury research
• Prescription required | FSA eligible | Latex free

Clinical FAQs

What does DEHP-free and BPA-free mean and why does it matter for catheter patients?

DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is a plasticizer historically used to soften PVC medical devices. It has raised safety concerns as a potential endocrine disruptor and carcinogen with prolonged exposure. BPA (bisphenol A) is another chemical used in some plastics with similar concerns. Cure Medical specifically formulates their catheters without these compounds, using alternative non-carcinogenic PVC materials. For patients who catheterize multiple times daily — often 4–6 times per day — over the course of years, the cumulative exposure to catheter materials is clinically relevant. DEHP-free and BPA-free construction is a meaningful safety consideration for long-term catheter users.

What are fire-polished eyelets and how do they differ from standard eyelets?

Fire polishing is a manufacturing process that uses heat to smooth and round the edges of the drainage holes (eyelets) on the catheter tip. Standard cut eyelets can have microscopic sharp edges or irregularities at the rim from the cutting process. Fire polishing eliminates these edges, producing a smooth, rounded eyelet surface that reduces friction and trauma against the urethral wall during insertion and withdrawal. For patients who catheterize multiple times daily, the cumulative difference in urethral irritation from smoother versus sharper eyelets is clinically meaningful over time.

Why is a 16" length required for male patients?

The male urethra is significantly longer than the female urethra — typically 15–20cm (6–8") — and the catheter must travel the full length of the urethra, past the external and internal sphincters, and into the bladder to drain urine. A standard 16" (40cm) catheter provides the length needed to reach the bladder while leaving sufficient external length to direct drainage into a collection receptacle. Female catheters (6" or 10") are far too short to reach the bladder in male patients and must never be substituted.

What is the correct technique for male self-catheterization?

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling. Apply a generous amount of water-based lubricant to the tip and the first several inches of the catheter. Hold the penis upright at a 45–60 degree angle from the body with one hand. Retract the foreskin if present and clean the glans and urethral opening with soap and water or an unscented wipe, using circular outward motions from the tip — do not wipe back and forth across the opening. Using the other hand, slowly advance the lubricated catheter into the urethral opening. When resistance is felt at the sphincters, apply gentle, steady, continuous pressure — do not force or pump. Continue until urine flows. When drainage is complete, slowly rotate the catheter between fingers while withdrawing. Discard the catheter after use. Return foreskin to its natural position if applicable.

This catheter is available in 6 French sizes — how is the correct size determined?

French size is prescribed by a urologist, physiatrist, or continence specialist based on clinical assessment — it is not self-selected. The prescribing clinician chooses the size that allows adequate urine flow (too small can result in slow or incomplete drainage) without unnecessary urethral distension (too large increases trauma and stricture risk). Most adult male catheter users are prescribed between 12Fr and 16Fr. Sizes 8Fr and 10Fr may be appropriate for patients with urethral stricture or smaller anatomy. Size 18Fr is sometimes prescribed for patients with significant stricture bypass needs. Never change French size without direction from your provider.

What is the difference between ordering individually, by 30/pack, and by 300/case?

Individual catheters allow trialing a new product before committing to a larger quantity — useful when switching brands or sizes. The 30/pack is the standard monthly supply for patients who catheterize once daily; for patients catheterizing 4–6 times daily, 2–6 boxes per month would be typical. The 300/case provides the best per-unit cost and is appropriate for established patients with a stable prescription and routine. Most insurance plans and Medicare cover catheter supplies based on prescribed frequency — contact our team at 1-866-218-0902 for help matching your prescription to the right order quantity.

What is Cure Medical's commitment to spinal cord injury research?

Cure Medical is independently owned and donates a portion of the proceeds from every catheter sale to fund spinal cord injury and disease research — specifically cure-focused research. For the significant portion of intermittent catheter users who manage neurogenic bladder resulting from spinal cord injury, this mission aligns directly with their own health interests. Cure Medical does not accept government funding for research, relying on product sales to fund their research program.

Questions about French sizing, monthly supply orders, or insurance coverage for catheters? Call our product specialists: 1-866-218-0902