How long the catheter can be left in place needs to be based on different materials, latex catheters are generally left in place for 7 days, silicone catheters can be left in place for a month. 1. Latex catheter: latex catheter inner diameter is relatively small, if used for a long time on the inner lumen is easy to form calcium, precipitation, mainly due to the mineral salts in the urine to the formation of the urinary catheter, is not conducive to drainage, so the general rubber catheter replaced once every 7 days. 2. Silicone catheter: Silicone catheter due to the transparent body, easy to confirm the state of drainage and retention position, biocompatibility, for the urethra of the irritation is less, not easy to allergy, and its own surface is relatively smooth, for the patient, relatively comfortable, reduce the infection, generally can be replaced once a month. Urinary catheter retention period, pay attention to keep the urine drainage smooth, once the discomfort occurs, timely medical treatment, so as not to delay the condition.