The typical length of a urinary catheter in men is 17 to 22cm.
The length of the urethra in men is usually 25 to 30 cm, and when the catheter is inserted to about 17-22 cm, the urethra is usually located in the bladder.
Clinically, urinary catheterization in men is not based on length as a success criterion, but rather on the presence of urine draining out of the urinary catheter as a success criterion.
If urine is seen to drain out when the male urinary catheter is inserted at 17 to 22 centimeters, it can be confirmed that the urinary catheter has entered the bladder, and the catheterization is successful.
However, if no urine is seen when the male is 17 to 22 centimeters in, it is necessary to continue to push the catheter inward 1 to 2 centimeters until urine is seen. If none of the urine has been elicited, the urinary catheter must be removed and reinserted.
It is usually recommended that after the urine is seen to flow out, it is then inserted about 1 to 3 centimeters deeper to inflate the bladder of the urethra, so that there is no possibility of damage to the urethra by the bladder. If the patient experiences any discomfort after the insertion of the urinary catheter, he/she should promptly report to the doctor.