As per the International Society for Infectious Diseases, nearly 12.9% of urinary tract infections are caused by using indwelling or internal catheters (CAUTI) to manage urinary incontinence. To avoid the risk, the employment of external condom catheters has become common among males. These are easy-to-use systems that can be applied either by the patient himself or a caregiver. In this regard, the commonly asked question are how to apply a condom catheter as well as how to remove it?
Silicone-based condom catheters along with drainage tube and urine collection bag
In this article, let us go through a step-by-step procedure about how to apply a condom catheter. In addition, some of the condom catheter brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.
What is a Condom Catheter?
A condom catheter is an external use device that is employed in patients dealing with urinary incontinence. This purpose is to collect the urine leakages and contain them in an attached drainage bag. This way, the patients can go through their day without having to worry about their poor bladder control issues.
How to Apply a Condom Catheter?
Condom catheters are easy-to-use devices that can either be donned by the patient himself or by the caregiver. No requirement for the services of a trained healthcare professional renders the process even simpler and quicker. So, to answer the question about how to apply a condom catheter, check the given step-by-step guide:
Wash your Hands
The first step of handling a condom catheter while learning how to apply a condom catheter is to grasp the importance of hand hygiene. The patient or the caregiver must wash their hands using soap and clean water. This will reduce the risk of any possible infections.
Clean the Penile Area
The next step is to wash the penile area with soap and water. This will clear out any traces of urine which could irritate the skin. After washing, the area should be kept exposed to air until completely dried.
Also, while learning how to apply a condom catheter, make sure to avoid using any kind of ointments, creams, or lotions on the skin before applying the condom catheter.
Prepare the Penile Area
Once the penis is completely dry, clip the hair at its base if necessary. It is not recommended to shave the area. In addition, leave the foreskin as it is if the patient is uncircumcised.
Condom catheters are made up of non-irritant materials to enhance user comfort
Apply the Condom Catheter
Now, with one hand, hold the penis along the shaft in a way that the patient remains comfortable. With the other hand, hold the condom catheter at the tip of the penis followed by smooth rolling to fix it in place. While learning how to apply a condom catheter, keep in mind that a distance of about 1 to 2 inches between the tip of the penis and that of the condom catheter is necessary to ensure the avoidance of skin irritation.
Secure the Condom Catheter
Once the condom catheter has been positioned, squeeze the device along the shaft of the penis for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will ensure that the adhesive has been secured in place and, therefore, the risk of accidental falling or displacement of the catheter is minimized.
Connect the Drainage Assembly
After fixing the condom catheter in place, the next step in learning how to apply a condom catheter is to attach a drainage tube and a urine collection bag. The tube will deliver the urine from the catheter into the drainage bag which should be secured to the patient’s thigh.
If the patient is bedridden, then the drainage bag should be hung on the side of the bed lower than the patient.
Wash your Hands
Once the condom catheter has been applied, wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water as hand hygiene is a crucial step while learning how to apply a condom catheter.
Change the Condom Catheter Regularly
A condom catheter is a single-use device that should be worn only for 24 hours. Therefore, the catheter should be changed once daily and should never be re-employed.
Urinary incontinence is a common issue among male and female subjects
How to Remove a Condom Catheter?
Once you have learned how to apply a condom catheter, the next step is to focus on the proper removal process. The following steps should be followed to gently remove and replace the device:
Wash your Hands
First and foremost, practice hand hygiene. It is important because germs can get transferred from your hands to the penile skin.
Loosen the Adhesive
As the adhesive keeps the condom catheter in place, it gets stuck to the penile skin. To loosen its grip, take a warm and wet washcloth and place it on the catheter for about 30 seconds.
Remove the Condom Catheter
As most condom catheters are made up of silicone-based material, these need to be eased in a gentle manner during removal. To do so, push the condom catheter away from the base of the penis shaft followed by unrolling the catheter.
Remove the Drainage Tube and Urine Collection Bag
The drainage tubes as well as urine collection bags are reusable but the condom catheter is not. Therefore, the tip of the drainage tube should be disassociated from the condom catheter. Before attaching the tip to a new catheter, make sure to clean it thoroughly.
Discard the Used Condom Catheter
After applying a new condom catheter and attaching the drainage assembly to it, discard the used catheter immediately. Wash your hands using soap and water.
Condom catheters are single-use, non-sterile items
Condom Catheters at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Condom catheters, also known as male external catheters, are single-use, non-sterile items that are worn over the penis to collect urine leakages in case of incontinence issues. These are easy to use and can be worn by the patients by themselves.
While learning about how to apply a condom catheter, it is good to take a look at 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
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 catheters are condom-like devices that are known for their effective management of urinary incontinence. These act like a cap over the copulatory organ. Their grip is strong enough to remain attached to the skin during usage thus eliminating the need for accidental falling.
These 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheters are made up of soft material that has a smooth texture and does not irritate the skin. A flexible tube is attached to the tip of the catheter which transfers the urine into an attached drainage bag.
Moreover, the product is also easy to don and doff. While learning about how to apply a condom catheter, it should also be kept in mind that the catheter might require additional tapes and straps for proper placement. In this regard, to further enhance the grip of these condom catheters, an adhesive, non-slip strip has been attached to the product.
Moreover, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external condom catheters are lined with an aloe vera layer as a protective measure against possible skin irritation and redness.
Furthermore, the product is also free from any kind of skin irritant such as latex which is known to cause allergies in people with sensitive skin. As for their sizes, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external condom catheters are extra-large with about 40 mm diameter.
In addition, while learning how to apply a condom catheter, remember that these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheters also ensure a smooth urine flow due to a reduced risk of kinks and blockages.
Bard # 938383 Male External Catheter Spirit™3 Self-Adhesive Seal Hydrocolloid Silicone Small
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 are employed for the management of urinary incontinence in male subjects. The product has a diameter of 25 mm and is non-sterile. The hydrocolloid silicone-based construction of these Bard # 938383 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external catheters renders them soft and non-irritant to the skin.
While learning about how to apply a condom catheter, it is essential to keep in mind that these products are for single use only and cannot be employed again after cleaning or washing due to a higher risk of infections.
Bard # 938385 Male External Catheter Spirit™3 Self-Adhesive Seal Hydrocolloid Silicone Medium
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 the external use devices used to collect urine leakages in a drainage bag. The product is worn over the penis and is, therefore, soft and comfortable. The construction material is hydrocolloid silicone which is known for its flexibility.
Moreover, while learning about how to apply a condom catheter, it is essential to choose an appropriate size. The size of these Bard # 938385 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external catheters is around 29 mm which is suitable for most patients. Moreover, the product is also non-sterile and should be disposed of after one application.
Bard # 961149 Male External Catheter Spirit™2 Self-Adhesive Band Hydrocolloid Silicone Medium
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 tools to keep the patient comfortable during incontinence issues. These have a layer of adhesive material that keeps the device in place when worn. Moreover, its hydrocolloid silicone material makes these condom catheters comfortable to use.
While learning about how to apply a condom catheter, it should be kept in mind that these are single-use items and cannot be employed for more than 24 hours. Furthermore, these Bard # 961149 Spirit™2 male external catheters are 29 mm in size and are non-sterile.
Bard # 938378 Male External Catheter Spirit™1 Self-Adhesive Seal Hydrocolloid Silicone Small
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 single-use products that can be employed for managing urine flow during incontinence issues. These devices are soft and flexible owing to their hydrocolloid silicone-based construction.
Moreover, while learning about how to apply a condom catheter, it is important to check that the product is non-irritant to the skin. In this regard, these Bard # 938378 Spirit™1 male external catheters are free from all kinds of irritants that can cause redness or itching.
Furthermore, these Bard # 938378 Spirit™1 male external catheters remain secure in their place and do not pose the risk of accidental falling during day-to-day activities. Their distinct design also prevents falling by providing a snug fit.
In addition, these Bard # 938378 Spirit™1 male external catheters are single-use, non-sterile items that have a diameter of 25 mm.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Having an overactive bladder (OAB) is also a cause of urinary incontinence
The condom catheters mentioned in this article while learning about how to apply a condom catheter, 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 condom catheters.
Conclusion
Urinary incontinence is a common problem among males with overactive bladder or prostate cancer, etc. It is associated with an unintentional passage of urine. As a management tool, the use of condom catheters is recommended.
While learning about how to apply a condom catheter, it is essential to follow the above-mentioned steps to not only apply the device properly but also minimize the risk of urinary tract infections as well as skin irritation.
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://isid.org/guide/hospital/urinary-tract-infections/
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
