A condom catheter, also known as an external catheter or male external urinary catheter, is used to manage urinary incontinence in men. It is a sheath-like device that fits over the penis and collects urine into a bag or drainage system without the need for insertion into the urethra, as with traditional internal catheters. It is designed to treat short-term male incontinence. Shaped like a condom that easily rolls over the penis, it is typically made of soft, flexible materials, such as latex or silicone, and is designed to be comfortable and discreet. They are attached to a drainage bag that collects urine and can be worn throughout the day or night, depending on the individual's needs. External male catheters are typically recommended for men who have urinary incontinence due to various conditions, such as prostate problems, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions that affect urinary function.
At HPFY, we carry a variety of external catheters for men. In addition, you can choose from latex and non-latex condom catheters, depending on your needs.
How Does it Work?
An external condom catheter is slipped onto the penis and secured using medical adhesive or an inflatable retention ring.
Urine from the bladder flows out through the urethra, sheath, and into the attached urinary leg bag or bedside drainage bag.
As they are used outside the body, chances of trauma and UTI are effectively reduced.
These are available in several types and sizes. They are used for 12-48 hours.
The transparent sheath offers easy inspection and monitoring of the skin.
It connects to a urine bag strapped to the leg or anovernight urine bag hung by the bedside.
These catheters may be self-adhering or have an adhesive on the inner ring.
Some also have adhesive tapes to hold the catheter.
An inflatable retention ring and foam straps are other options to secure the catheter.
Why would you use a Condom Catheter?
Urinary incontinence: It can be used to manage urinary incontinence, which is the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder. This condition can be caused by various factors such as age, prostate issues, neurological conditions, or other medical conditions. A condom catheter can be a convenient and discreet option to collect urine without the need for invasive procedures.
Convenience: Compared to other types of catheters that require insertion into the urethra, such as indwelling or Foley catheters, condom male catheters are relatively easy to apply and remove. They can be a convenient option for individuals who prefer a less invasive method of managing urinary incontinence.
Skin protection: Designed to protect the skin of the penis from exposure to urine, which can help prevent skin irritation, breakdown, and infection that may occur with prolonged contact with urine.
Mobility: Men's external catheters allow for greater mobility and freedom of movement compared to other types of catheters. They do not restrict movement or hinder activities such as walking, sitting, or sleeping, making them suitable for individuals who want to maintain an active lifestyle.
Comfort: They are generally well-tolerated and comfortable to wear, as they do not require insertion into the urethra and do not cause discomfort or pain that may be associated with other types of catheters.
Benefits of External Catheters
Condom catheters have manifold benefits over internal catheters, such as -
Make sure the penis is clean and dry: Before measuring, ensure that the penis is clean and dry to get an accurate measurement.
Place the stencil on the penis: Position the stencil over the penis with the opening of the stencil at the tip of the penis. The stencil should fit snugly around the shaft of the penis.
Choose the appropriate size: The stencil will typically have multiple size options labeled as mm. Select the size that best fits the circumference of the penis without being too tight or too loose.
Check for proper fit: After selecting the size, check that the stencil fits comfortably around the penis without causing any discomfort, gaps, or constriction. The condom catheter should fit securely without slipping off or causing skin irritation.
Trial and error: It may take some trial and error to find the right size using the stencil. Monitor the comfort and effectiveness of the condom catheter during use and make adjustments as needed.
Buying Guide: Choosing an External Catheter
Sensitivity: If you have a latex allergy, opt for silicone catheters or latex-free sheath condoms, which are also self-adhering.
Adhesiveness: There are two types of external condom catheters based on their adhesiveness - non-adhesive and self-adhesive catheters.
The PureWick Urinary Catheter is an innovative non-invasive urine management continence aid designed for the female anatomy. The BD PureWick uses a low-pressure suction design to pull the urine into a container. Continuous use of adult diapers and pads makes the skin prone to damage due to constant exposure to urine. However, the Purewick female urinary catheter alternatively wicks the urine away and keeps the skin dry and soft. The PureWick female catheter gives women a new and simple way to manage urinary incontinence. Interestingly, it looks like a banana, hence the name banana catheter.
The designated collection canister keeps you from touching urine
Minimizes urethral trauma
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is an external catheter used?
These types of catheters are used when we cannot use an indwelling catheter. They are used externally, fit across the glans penis, and direct voided urine into a collecting device.
Indications:
Limited access to the toilet from dementia, impaired vision, or decreased mobility
What type of catheter is used largely depends on the patient's skin sensitivity; the wear time of the catheter may also vary.
The average wear time is between 12 to 72 hours and should be re-evaluated periodically to ensure successful use.
The removal of the catheter is essential for the cleaning and inspection of the skin. It should be done every day unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
Use a warm towel to remove the male condom urinary catheters with adhesive.
Gently lift a bit of catheter from the skin.
Pull the catheter material gently toward the skin. Avoid pinching on it; just a bit of thumb pressure and pull towards the body.
Cleaning with hot water prevents the catheter from getting contaminated.
3. How do I know what size condom catheter I need?
Measure around the shaft of the penis and divide that number by 3.14 (pie) to get the diameter. The condom catheters are sized in millimeters and are based on the diameter of your penis, not the circumference.
4. What is a male condom catheter used for?
An external condom catheter is a urinary catheter — a tube that allows the flow of urine — that users can wear outside the penis instead of inside the urethra, a natural tube inside the penis. It collects urine for people who have difficulty holding their urine or cannot walk to the bathroom.
5. How do you know what size male catheter to use?
All manufacturers of condom urine catheters have a measuring guide to help you select the proper size. With a condom catheter sizing guide, put the notch area just behind the glans and pick the size that most exactly fits. If you measure between two sizes, choose the bigger of the two.
6. When should I make an appointment with my doctor?
Consult a doctor if -
Your urine is pink or red.
No pee has emptied through the catheter in the last 6 to 8 hours.
HPFY offers a variety of external catheters and other urological supplies. Our wide range includes condom catheters with straps, short sheath lengths, watertight adhesive seals, reusable, and much more. You can choose a one-piece male external urinary collection device in latex and non-latex types as well. Please browse through our wide collection and choose the design that best suits you.
External Catheter for men is 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
Male external catheter (MEC), also known as condom catheter or texas catheter, is used to treat urine incontinence in men. It is a simple sheath that is worn on penis, just like a condom. End of the external urinary catheter
External catheter systems also called condom catheters are used by men. This catheter fits over the penis and connects to a drainage bag. They are safer to use than internal catheters because it does not require a tube to be placed in the bladder.
External catheters are made from either latex rubber, polyvinyl, or silicone and are attached on the shaft of the penis by a double-sided adhesive, latex inflatable cuff, jockey's type strap, or foam strap. They are then joined to urine drainage bags by a tube.
External catheters are used for 24 to 48 hours and both disposable and reusable condom catheters are available.
