Is there danger using a External Catheter for the Male penis?

A proven external catheter for the male

The external catheter for the male community has become more convenient to men with urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the damage or loss of muscle control within the bladder that leads to build up or leakage of urine. External male catheters are tubes fitted around the penis to direct and control the flow of urine during involuntarily urinating. There are external male catheters for every walk of a person’s life, whether sleeping or waking. There are external and internal catheters, both of which carry the risk of infection and other problems if used negligently.

Patients with external catheters and especially internal catheters may experience encrustation. Encrustation is the buildup of urine that forms harmful salts, by the intrusion of the catheter into the urethra and bladder. These salts hinder the flow of urine. Encrustation during catheter use is not uncommon. In surveys during certain years, hospitals have reported up to half of their patients using indwelling catheters experienced encrustation to varying degrees. Encrustation can be a painful and uncomfortable experience.

The External catheter for the male population runs the risk of outward infection. Male external catheter, usually called condom catheters, are fitted to the end of the male organ. A buildup of urine at the end can create a damp environment where bacteria grow. Symptoms such as redness of the skin and painful peeing can occur.

There are many preventative measures to encrustation. The proven advice is to make a plan for using a catheter. Take into account daily activity, eating habits, and sleeping patterns. Discuss with a physician the best choice of catheter, and routine catheter maintenance. The simplest and most effective advice given by researchers is to keep your hands clean. Wash your hands several times a day. Patients who washed their hands were less likely to develop encrustation than those who did not.

Proper cleaning of the catheter is essential as well. If it is a disposable catheter it should be worn for no longer than a day. Keeping the drainage plug on the urinary bag sealed is essential, or it will result in spills that may spread germs. Draining the bag every six hours should be done regularly, and adjusting to a different size of urinary bag according to the person’s needs is important. This is reduced to three hours if the urinary bag is a transportable one attached to the leg. Neglecting such simple measures can lead to bacteria growth on the essential supplies and encourage encrustation.

A common treatment for bladder infection, according to some doctors, is to drink at least two liters of water a day. However, studies are inconclusive as to whether this will alleviate/prevent encrustation. Similarly, limited evidence suggests that cranberry juice can help people with encrustation. Being aware of the risks of long term external catheter for the male population is important since there are other treatments for loss of urinary control. Most men find this embarrassing, but keep in mind that you are not alone. There are a significant amount of people who suffer from this.