Using a Condom Catheter: External Male Catheters

External Male Catheters to manage incontinence

External male catheters are an accessible choice when dealing with urinary incontinence. When men have trouble controlling their bladders external catheters can help to contain and regulate the flow of urine, with the catheter and attached urine bag. The placement and shape of the external catheter has coined the name “condom catheter.” Many men prefer the condom catheter over the internal ones. Internal catheters are a thin, long tube that penetrates the tube in the penis called the urethra and is pushed all the way into the bladder. There have been complaints of discomfort when using a urethra catheter. Yet even condom catheters can cause in mishaps, and it’s important to know a few things to avoid accidents when applying one.

Have all your supplies ready, and within easy reach that enables you to get them without bending over. The items include hand towel, washcloth, a bowl of warm water, soap, bath towel, the external male catheters and a urine bag.

Use the warm water and washcloth to gently wash your penis. Make sure there is no hair or urine on it, and then use the towel to dry it. Also, inspect it to make sure there are no signs of infection such as reddened skin or other abnormalities. Then, wash your hands with soap and water.

Hold your penis angled upwards with your secondary hand. This prevents urine from leaking down while you are applying the catheter. Take the condom catheter and gently push it down over the head of the penis. Leave about one inch of empty space at the end, to prevent urine from spreading out. Make sure that the catheter is firmly in place, but not too tight. If it is too tight or too loose, you may want to look into using a different size.  External male catheters come in different diameter sizes.

Roll the sheath down the length of the penis close to the base. It is a good idea to trim any pubic hair to as close to the skin as possible using a blunt pair of scissors.  This will make removing the catheter much easier.  Make sure that there is not any access material or it appears the catheter is loose.  This could mean the catheter is too big and could lead to leaks, or blow offs.  Once it is determined a good seal is made by making a fist around the attached catheter, carefully attach the tube from the urine bag to the catheter.

When you urinate make sure that the bag is below you. That way the urine will flow down through the tube. At night you can attach this bag to your bed, so long as it is not above you. There are urine bags that attach to the leg around the hip, for mobile people.

Make sure to be clean. Be sure to empty a bedside urinary bag every eight hours and the leg urinary bag twice as much. Always make sure to dispose of a condom catheter. After you remove the catheter wash your penis again with warm soap and water. Failing to do so may leave moisture that causes bacteria and leads to urinary tract infection. If you see any infections or suffer bladder problems when using the condom catheter, contact your doctor for recommended treatment.

Urinary incontinence is not the end of the world. You can live a very normal life, thanks to the devices and treatment available to you.