What is a Texas Catheter?

A Texas catheter is a type of male external catheter used to treat urinary incontinence in men. Texas catheters differ from external condom catheters in that they usually come with a self-adhering elastic foam strap or Velcro strap that helps keep the catheter in place and not fall off during the day. The catheter is worn over the glans penis to drain the urine into a urine collection bag. As a Texas catheter is worn externally, it reduces the risk of urinary tract infections and incontinence-induced skin breakdown up to a great extent. HPFY offers a wide range of Texas catheters from various top-selling brands like Kendall, Uro-Con, etc.

When to use Texas Urinary Catheters?

Normally Texas catheters are indicated when indwelling catheters are not possible to use. These are for short-term use, as long-term use can increase the risk of UTIs and cause damage and irritation to the penis from friction with the catheter. Texas condom catheters offer enhanced comfort for many men. They have a sheath resembling a condom, making them more pliable and less likely to chafe or cause irritation. Texas catheter is indicated in the following situations:

Urinary incontinence: when you are unable to control urination
Overactive bladder: unable to manage urinary frequency and urgency
Damage to sphincter due to prostatectomy
Urinary tract infection
Urethral trauma
Individuals who cannot use the toilet without unassisted or unsupervised
Limited access to the toilet due to impaired vision or dementia

How does a Texas Condom Catheter work?

Texas-style catheters work similarly to the way that regular external condom catheters work. Texas-style catheters are worn on the penis to facilitate urine drainage. The catheter is connected to the drainage tube, and the tubing is connected to a urinary leg bag or an overnight drainage bag. Texas catheters do not help with urine retention. If you cannot pass urine naturally, a Texas catheter will not work for you.

Texas Catheter vs Condom Catheter

The Texas catheter has a semi-rigid tube connected to the condom sheath. This tube connects to the drainage tubing of the urinary leg bag.
The Texas-style sheath is flexible like a condom making it more comfortable. The sheath is fully collapsible, which helps prevent pooled urine which can cause skin irritation and break-down.
External condom catheters are of one-piece construction, so the sheath and the nozzle are one unit and cannot be adjusted. For a Texas-style catheter, you can adjust the length of the silicone tubing that is at the end of the sheath.
Most of the external catheters are available with adhesive inside the sheath. The Texas condom catheter does not come with adhesive inside the sheath. To keep the condom sheath in place, you may need a liquid medical adhesive.

How to wear Texas Cath?

First, remove the old catheter if you are wearing one. Never pull; always roll it off so that you do not hurt your skin.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Remove any residual creams or adhesives
With warm water and soap, clean the scrotum and penis and allow it to dry.
Check for any sores or irritations.
Apply sealant to the penis and let it dry.
Roll the Texas catheter sheath onto the penis just like a condom. Leave some room about 1 to 2 inches at the tip of the condom. This would prevent rubbing against the tip of your penis.
Secure the catheter in place with the help of a Velcro or foam strap, wrapping the penis 1-2 inches from the base.

Connect the condom to the collection bag tube, and then strap the bag to your leg below the knee.

Important things to consider while using a Male Texas Catheter

Measure the penis and use an appropriate size catheter. The most important thing to consider is the sizing of the Texas catheter. Not all manufacturers use the same sizing guidelines, so check your preferred size before buying.
Change the catheter daily or as indicated by the manufacturer.
Although trimming long hair is advisable, shaving pubic hair is not recommended because it can cause skin irritation. You can use a hair guard or a paper towel with a hole in the middle during catheter application.
Never use adhesive tapes to keep the Texas catheter in place. It might cause trauma to the penis.
If you found no urine in the drainage bag, check for the common issues, including:

the catheter is twisted or dislodged
the tubing is obstructed or kinked
the catheter is too tight and putting pressure on the urethra
the catheter strap is constricting the penis

Where to buy Texas Catheters online?

Health Products For You carries Texas condom catheters from well-known brands like Urocare and Covidien at pocket-friendly prices. Place your order today!