Urinal (health care)

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A urinal is a bottle used to collect urine. It is mainly used in health care for patients who cannot easily get out of bed. If a patient can move their arms and understand, they can use it without staff help. Urinals can also be useful for travelers or workers who can’t reach a bathroom right away, or in places where restrooms are far.

Urinals often have marks to measure how much urine has been produced. When possible, patients are encouraged to walk to the toilet or use a bedside commode instead of a urinal.

Using a urinal for a long time can lead to constipation or trouble urinating. Urinals are most commonly used for men because they are easier to use with male anatomy. There are female urinals, but they are harder to use; many women use a bedpan instead. Female urinals need a wider opening and are usually used by women in a wheelchair rather than in bed. The opening can pick up germs, so it should be cleaned with proper disinfectants.