External Condom Catheters: Pros, Cons, and Best Use Cases

Urinary incontinence (UI), if put, is a state in which men cannot control their bladder. The problem is much more common in the US as, according to some studies, about every 1 in 5 men report symptoms of incontinence up to some extent. Male external catheters, also known as external condom catheters, are the devices that are recommended for males dealing with urinary incontinence issues. These are worn over the penis and collect the urine leakages which are then drained into a collection bag tied to the patient’s thigh.

In this article, we will learn about external condom catheters and their pros and cons. Some of the commonly used products in this domain have also been linked for the reader’s ease.

What are External Condom Catheters?

External condom catheters are the soft and flexible devices employed for the management of urine (pee) leakages due to incontinence. Among other external catheters designed for males, condom catheters are known for their simple design and ease of usage.

Moreover, these are considered far superior to internal catheters as the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is much lower. These are often made up of silicone, latex, or hydrogel. Other names for external condom catheters are external urinary catheters or penile sheath catheters.

How to Use External Condom Catheters?

External condom catheters, as the name suggests, are worn over the copulatory organ, i.e. penis, like a condom. These are designed in a way that they cover the penile area and fit in place properly with little to no risk of accidental falling. Some of the brands also apply a skin-friendly adhesive on the catheter to further increase its security.

At the tip of the external condom catheter, a tube is attached which drains the collected urine into a drainage bag. Whenever the drainage bag reaches around half to three-quarters full, the patient can simply empty it by opening the drain sprout at the bottom end of the bag and emptying it in the toilet or a container. It is also essential to change condom catheters on a daily basis as these are single-use items.

Pros

External condom catheters provide several benefits which render them a preferred choice for most patients dealing with incontinence issues. Some of these benefits include the following:

Easy to Use, Non-invasive Product

The biggest advantage external condom catheters have is that these are non-invasive items. Therefore, these can be worn easily by the patient himself or can be donned with the help of a caregiver. Unlike internal or indwelling catheters, these external condom catheters neither require the services of a healthcare provider nor do they need any special training before handling and wearing.

Reduced Risk of Infections

With the use of external condom catheters, the chances of getting a urinary tract infection are much lower. This is because, in the case of the internal catheters, the device is inserted inside the penis. If the catheter is not fully clean, it can transfer microbes into the bladder leading to an infection. However, while employing condom catheters, as there is no insertion, the likelihood of getting infected is also minimal.

Keep in mind that if the urine collection bags attached to the external condom catheters are not emptied before getting full, there is a risk of backflow of urine which often leads to a urinary tract infection.

Discreet Design

External condom catheters are small in size and have a discreet design that keeps the patient comfortable. The weight of these catheters is also low to further ease the usage process. Moreover, they do not become much prominent under the clothes and help maintain privacy which is a common concern among the patients.

Cons

Despite their several uses, external condom catheters also have some concerns associated with their employment. Some of these have been enlisted as follows:

• Although the external condom catheters are safe, there is still a risk of infection and skin irritation that lingers with their use. This is usually the case when the catheter is not changed regularly or is being used improperly. Moreover, not emptying the urine bag timely can also lead to the development of an infection.
• The risk of falling off of the external condom catheters is present if the wrong size is used. A catheter too small or too large does not properly fit over the penis. As a result, it often falls leading to urine leakages.
• Another common issue with using external condom catheters is that some people might find it difficult to don them due to the retraction of the penis into the pubic fat pad. As a result, the catheter either falls off or cannot be attached altogether.
• Movement during the day-to-day activities can also displace the catheter from its place.
• Latex-based condom catheters can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

How do I confirm if I have a UTI after using an external condom catheter?

In case of an infection, you might experience the following symptoms:

· Fever

· Burning sensation or discomfort during urination

· Hematuria or bleeding in the urine

· Frequent urination

· Rashes and irritation on the skin

· Presence of skin sores

Uses of External Condom Catheters

External condom catheters are a great choice for people dealing with any of the following issues:

• Urinary incontinence
• Having an overactive bladder (OAB) often leading to urine leakages
• Dementia
• Mobility-related problems

External Condom Catheters at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

External condom catheters are the products that are employed for the management of urinary incontinence. These are worn over the copulatory organ or penis and collect the urinary leakages to keep the patient comfortable throughout the day.

While learning about different kinds of external condom catheters, it is essential to go through some of the products as well. Some of these external condom catheters are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:

6530 Coloplast Freedom Clear Advantage Self Adhering Male External Catheter with Aloe and Kink Resistant Nozzle 40mm Diameter Extra Large Latex Free Transparent

US$97.88

Product Details

6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheter is a condom catheter that is well-known for its role in the management of urinary incontinence. The product is attached with a drainage bag via a soft plastic tube which receives the urine flow.

The product is designed in a sheath-like form to ease the process of donning and doffing the catheter. In addition, an adhesive strip is also incorporated into the structure to prevent slippage or accidental doffing.

This way, the need for extra tapes and straps is also eliminated. Moreover, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external condom catheters also contain aloe vera as their essential component. This not only smoothens the wearing process but also reduces the risk of rashes and skin irritation.

Furthermore, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheters are constructed using latex-free material which further increases the product safety, especially for people with a sensitive skin type. The diameter of these external condom catheters is about 40 mm which renders them extra-large in size.

Additionally, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheters smoothen the urine flow by reducing the risk of kinks and blockages.

Bard # 938383 Male External Catheter Spirit™3 Self-Adhesive Seal Hydrocolloid Silicone Small

US$195.88

Product Details

Bard # 938383 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external catheters have a diameter of about 25 mm. The construction material is hydrocolloid silicone which is soft in texture and can bend as well as adjust during the wearing period.

The use of these Bard # 938383 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external condom catheters is one of the easiest ways to manage urinary incontinence. These are non-sterile and for single-use only. This feature eliminates the need to clean the device after every use.

Bard # 938385 Male External Catheter Spirit™3 Self-Adhesive Seal Hydrocolloid Silicone Medium

US$181.88

Product Details

Bard # 938385 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external catheters are constructed using hydrocolloid silicone material which is known for its flexibility as well as comfort. The product is non-slip as well and, therefore, stays in place until removed by the patient. Moreover, the product is also non-irritant which means the risk of redness or itching on the skin is eliminated.

Moreover, these Bard # 938385 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external catheters are medium-sized with a diameter of 29 mm. The device is non-sterile and can only be used once.

Bard # 961149 Male External Catheter Spirit™2 Self-Adhesive Band Hydrocolloid Silicone Medium

US$163.88

Product Details

Bard # 961149 Spirit™2 male external catheters are the products employed for the management of urinary incontinence. These carry self-adhesive bands which keep the device secure at its place during donning. Moreover, these are constructed using soft and flexible hydrocolloid silicone-based material.

Moreover, these Bard # 961149 Spirit™2 male external catheters have a diameter of around 29 mm. Their single-use nature eliminates the need to clean and wash the device after every use. The product is non-sterile.

Bard # 938378 Male External Catheter Spirit™1 Self-Adhesive Seal Hydrocolloid Silicone Small

US$152.88

Product Details

Bard # 938378 Spirit™1 male external catheters are hydrocolloid silicone-based products that are comfortable enough to be worn throughout the day without irritation. These are soft and can move or bend during movement while conducting day-to-day activities.

The product manages urinary incontinence without issues like leakage or accidental removal. To further ensure that the device remains snugged in place, these external condom catheters are designed in a way that they fit tightly on the copulatory organ while keeping the patient comfortable.

Moreover, these Bard # 938378 Spirit™1 male external catheters have a diameter of about 25 mm which is suitable for most patients. The product is also single-use and non-sterile.

*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

The external condom catheters mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of external condom catheters.

Conclusion

External condom catheters are the devices that collect urine leakages in case of urinary incontinence. These are easy-to-wear symptoms that are to be worn on the penis like a sheath. The device is single-use and should only be used once.

External condom catheters provide several advantages including the lower risk of infections, smaller size, as well as ease of usage. However, some of the associated cons are also present like the risk of UTI in case of urine backflow, falling of catheter due to penis retraction, or due to the usage of improper device size. At the end of the day, the selection of a suitable catheter depends upon the patient’s personal preference.

As external condom catheters are necessary items in healthcare facilities as well as in home settings, these should be bought and stored for future use. For purchasing different external condom catheter brands, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

References

https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/urinary-incontinence-in-men