Prevent Urethra Microtrauma with Hollister’s New HydraBalance™ Technology

There’s a lot to like about intermittent urethral catheters (ICs). They increase autonomy, improve intimacy, and are 20 times less likely to cause bladder stones than indwelling catheters. But, they’re not without risk. Urethral studies indicate up to 21.0% of IC users experience Gross hematuria and 56.3% deal with microscopic hematuria—among other complications.

Fortunately, certain innovations can decrease complication rates. Using new, advanced technology, IC users can significantly lower their risk of complications (and prevent some altogether). Hollister’s HydraBalance™ lubricating technology is an innovation making an impact. 

Discover how VaPro™ catheters with HydraBalance™ work differently to prevent urethral trauma, and what that means for IC users from all walks of life.

HydraBalance™: Easier, Smoother, More Comfortable on Insertion and Withdrawal

The VaPro™ Plus HydraBalance™ No-Touch Intermittent Catheter dramatically reduces the risk of urethral trauma and UTIs. 

HydraBalance™ is a unique hydrophilic coating and hydration fluid, combined to create a gliding cushion between the catheter and the urethra. It effectively diminishes the frequency and severity of UTIs and urethral trauma among IC users. 

For some, it prevents complications altogether. 

The HydraBalance™ Lubricating Technology Features:

The VaPro™ Plus incorporates protective features into its design.

1. Smooth and comfortable on catheter insertion and with drawal
2. Helps protect the urethra from potential micro trauma and Urinary Tract Infections
3. Designed to capture the right balance of naturally sourced ingredients for as natural of an intermittent catheter experience as possible

Self-catheterization is now more comfortable than ever.   

HydraBalance™: Smarter, Smoother, Safer Than Most Popular Lube

Most lubricated intermittent catheters use a basic water-based lube. Unfortunately, the most common lubricants evaporate too quickly, creating painful friction upon catheter withdrawal. 

In contrast, HydraBalance™ lubricant uses a stabilizing, protective osmolyte compound that includes glycerol. Protective osmolytes are organic, and naturally occurring in cells. They accumulate to protect proteins and enzymes in tissues.

These ingredients empower HydraBalance™ to foster osmotic balance within the urethra. It keeps the urethra hydrated while shielding it from the catheter with a cushion—one that mimics the natural protective cushion of cells’ osmolytes. 

How The Hollister VaPro™ Plus HydraBalance™ Catheter Prevents Urethra Microtrauma, UTIs & Mental Distress

The newest VaPro™ catheter brings together several precisely honed features. Here’s what we know about the impact of each of them. 

VaPro’s™ Glycerol-Based Lubricant Reduces Friction By 95%

Glycerol has hydrophilic properties and a high capacity to cultivate osmotic balance (osmolality). Applied as a lubricant, it effectively prevents incidents of catheters sticking to the urethral epithelium (a damaging, high-friction event). 

In a clinical trial, switching to a glycerol-based lubricant for catheterization reduced the frequency of “sticking” incidents by 95%. This, in turn, reduced urethra microtrauma.

Given these positive effects, glycerol is a useful, key ingredient in the HydraBalance™ formula. 

Smaller Eyelets Reduce Urinary Microtrauma, Decreasing Suction Pressure By As Much As 81%

VaPro’s™ upgraded catheter eyelet is 50% smaller. 

Reducing the size of intermittent urinary catheter eyelets decreases suction pressure in the urinary tract—often by as much as 81%. This pressure reduction, in turn, lowers the frequency and severity of urinary tract mucosal microtrauma.

No-Touch Catheter Technology Reduces UTI Frequency By 35%

No-touch technology prevents the transfer of pathogens. Studies of no-touch catheter technology show it reduces UTI frequency by 35%. And, for some users,  no-touch features eliminate UTIs altogether. 

Microbe analyses show the average person using an intermittent catheter with no-touch technology has 98% fewer colony-forming units of bacteria in their urethra than a person using a more typical IC.

Effective, Comfortable, Confidence

The VaPro™ Plus HydraBalance™ is greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s how it affects people’s day-to-day lives.

VaPro’s™ Five-Star Consensus

IC users praise the VaPro™ Plus HydraBalance™ for its boost to their confidence, as well as its comfort and user-friendliness. Recent studies reflect this broad appeal.

• 50% of IC users studied reported a significant decrease in UTI frequency when using VaPro
• 66% of users find inserting and removing the VaPro™ catheter is easier
• 69.6% report the VaPro™ catheter was easier advancing through the urethra

The majority of reviewers give the VaPro™ five stars. 

Gain Confidence & Comfort With VaPro™ Plus HydraBalance™

At Medical Monks, we know preventing complications is key to urinary and mental health alike. Thus, we offer best-in-class solutions like the VaPro™ Plus HydraBalance™ IC. 

Shopping for medical products doesn’t have to feel daunting. Reach out by phone or online today, and we’ll help you find the right option for your needs. 

For more information, and a free sample of HydraBalance™ lubricant, visit Hollister’s website.