Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most prevalent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) are responsible for 70%–80% of such infections, which are referred to as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). CAUTIs are associated with negative patient outcomes, such as increased patient discomfort and restriction of activity, enhanced morbidity and mortality, extended length of hospital stay, decreased quality of life, and increased hospital costs. Approximately 12%–16% of adult hospital inpatients have an IUC at some time during their hospital stay, and the risk of acquiring a CAUTI increases by 3%–7% with each IUC day.

Women are more susceptible to a UTI due to the shorter length of the urethra compared to men, and due to the anatomical position of the urethra within the perineal region (near both the vagina and the anus). Placement of an IUC in a female patient increases the risk of infection as it facilitates the introduction of bacteria into an otherwise sterile bladder, leading to a CAUTI. However, recently the female external urinary catheter (FEUC) has become available as a non-invasive alternative for urinary management in female patients before an IUC placement is considered, or upon the removal of an IUC when it is no longer needed.

There are several available options for external urine management for the female anatomy that mitigate the risk of acquiring CAUTI and provide a superior standard of care as compared to an indwelling catheter.

Intermittent Straight Catheters – Self-catheterization, also called clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) or intermittent self -catheterization (ISC), involves inserting a thin, hollow tube called a catheter into the bladder through the urethra. Urine drains out of the catheter into a toilet or container. After the bladder is emptied the catheter is removed. This step is repeated at regular intervals several times a day.	Intermittent Straight Catheters
Female Urinal – The bed urinal is a device that lets you pass urine in bed, and this is stored in a bottle so it can be disposed of safely. Urinals are available for both men and women with specific shapes designed to fit female or male anatomy. Urinals are shaped like a bottle and the average urinal can hold up to 1 liter of urine. Both mobile and immobile people with incontinence often find it useful to keep a urinal close during the night.	Female urinal
Bedpans – A bedpan or bedpan is an object used for the toileting of a bedridden patient in a health care facility, usually made of a metal, glass, or plastic receptacle. A bed pan can be used for both urinary and fecal discharge. Bedpans are usually constructed of stainless steel and may be cold, hard, and uncomfortable. On the other hand, stainless steel is easy to clean and durable. The smaller profile of the supporting area may leave the patient susceptible to pressure injuries with prolonged usage.	Bedpans

To mitigate these challenges, new ergonomic bedpans have been developed which support the patient with a larger area of warm plastic. Some designs completely cover the genitalia during use, offering protection and an extra measure of privacy. On the other hand, the material is difficult to clean, and plastic may be a reservoir for microorganisms

Tillacare Uricap – UriCap Female is a non-invasive, external urine collection device designed to fit the female anatomy around the urethra. The device comprises a disposable single-use silicone cap that covers the opening of the urethra and is stabilized by a guide. The cap is connected to a standard catheter and urine collection bag. UriCap helps prevent contact between urine and the skin, a common reason for skin irritation. It is particularly useful for patients at night or that are bedridden and suffer from urinary incontinence. The device offers an innovative solution for patients in nursing homes, home care or hospitals.	Tillacare Uricap
Versette Female External Catheter – The Versette is a wicking-based female external catheter that employs a mesh core that conforms to the anatomy and a mesh securement that secures the mesh core in place. The wicking fabric of the catheter is placed against the urethra, and continuous suction is used to wick urine away from the patient into a collection vessel that can also measure urine output.	Versette Female External Catheter
PureWick – The PureWick Female External Urinary Catheter allows for non-invasive urine output management for female patients. The catheter comprises of a plastic sheath that houses a hydrophilic wicking material with a suction tubing on top. The wicking material is aligned with the urethral opening by parting the labia and allows urine to gradually get diverted through the tubing using a low-pressure suction. PureWick for home use gives females managing urinary incontinence a new and simple option. The PureWick catheter is sometimes referred to as a banana catheter, PureWick at home, and the BD PureWick.	PureWick Female External Catheter
QiVi Female External Catheter – QiVi is a truly external Female Urine Management device that has 3 major components – A urine diversion chamber, a novel, derma-friendly silicone-based adhesive, and cranial suction tubing.The QiVi Female External Catheter contours snugly over the patient’s anatomy, the derma-friendly adhesive offsets the device anchoring to the less sensitive area of the suprapubic, the urine collection chamber collects the output and diverts the urine through the cranial tubing with the help of negative pressure suction.	QiVi Female External Catheter