
There are three main materials of urinary catheters in clinical use: rubber, latex, and silicone.
Rubber catheters are more toxic and cause more obvious damage to the urethra, destroying urethral epithelial cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, and a higher rate of urinary tract infection than latex and silicone.
Silicone catheters are softer and have a smoother surface, causing less damage to the urethra when inserted. Also, silicone catheters are relatively thicker in diameter urine flows faster and is less likely to cause cold blockage.

Some studies have shown that latex catheters are less likely to form biofilms. Latex catheters are harder than rubber catheters and do not have a smooth surface, which can easily damage the urethra. The inner lumen is thinner and the flow of urine is slower, making it more prone to blockage.

Therefore, for the prevention of urinary tract infections, the incidence of urinary tract infections associated with silicone catheters is the lowest, followed by latex, and rubber is higher. Currently, latex and silicone are the two more common materials used in hospitals. Various studies in the literature have concluded that the replacement of catheters made of silicone in 1 month and latex in 2 weeks is effective in reducing the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.