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When contemplating catheter selection, most men would choose a condom catheter for urinary incontinence. External catheter for men is easy to change at home and non-invasive (nothing inserted into the body). The external male catheter looks like a large condom and is worn over the penis using adhesive to keep it in place. A tube that is attached to the condom and to a bag that straps onto the leg and leads the urine away.
Sealants are sold that can be applied to the skin at the base of the penis near the pubic bone so that the adhesive stays in place for longer and with more security. But is it all that you need to know about external catheters for men?
Here are some frequently asked questions about urinary catheters and their answers.
Condom catheters need to be changed every 24 hours. The collection bags can be reused but need to be cleaned before reuse. Always ensure your hands are clean before applying the catheter to avoid infections, bacteria, and cross-contamination.
When applying, unroll the condom, do not pull, and leave enough room at the tip of the penis once applied so that the condom does not rub.
This is not an easy item to remove for patients with cognitive dysfunction, so it may not be indicated for those with dementia or Alzheimer's. According to an article by WebMD on condom catheters, people who have a neuropathic bladder condition or urine retention are more likely to be prescribed a urethral catheter instead of a condom.
External catheters for men are less likely to cause CAUTI and catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and they are more comfortable and available to be used at home by the patient. Male external catheters are easy to use and cause fewer movement restrictions than indwelling or intermittent catheters. And mostly, they are non-invasive. However, there are still some minor side effects involved.
One of the biggest downsides to these catheters can be leakage if the wrong size is used or if they fall off. Skin breakdown can be a side effect of urine leakage. Some customers can experience an allergic reaction to the latex material the condom catheters are made of. Removal of the condom catheter can be painful due to the adhesive.
There may be certain indications of something going wrong with an external catheter for men. You should always consider consulting your doctor if any of the following happens -
These catheter problems demand immediate medical attention.
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Author Profile: Laura Castricone, Respiratory Therapist
My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory care including sleep medicine, critical care, rehab, and home care. I earned my respiratory certification at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Prior to becoming an RT, I attended the University of Connecticut pursuing a degree in English but left Uconn in my junior year to work with my father in the restaurant business. I stayed with him for over a dozen years. An education, by the way, that can never be bought! Once I married and had children, the restaurant business no longer fit my lifestyle. When my children were one and two years old, I decided to go back to school and that is where my career in respiratory care began. This career has been very rewarding and I have been blessed to meet some extraordinary people along the way. I grew up in Waterbury, CT, and now live in Litchfield County, CT with my husband and our crazy Jack Russell terrier, Hendrix. My hobbies include antiquing, gardening, writing plays, and painting miniature paintings.
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My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory ...
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