How to Use a Condom Catheter: From Application to Maintenance

According to the National Council of Aging, nearly 25.9 million elderly men are living in the US who are above the age of 65. With advancing age, issues like poor bladder control and urinary incontinence become common. As a management tool, the doctors often recommend using condom catheters which can collect the urine leakages into a drainage bag. But what are they and who needs them? How to use a condom catheter? What are some of the ways condom catheters can be used safely?

In this article, let us try to answer the question regarding how to use a condom catheter. In addition, we will also learn about proper maintenance of the device along with some of the popular brands.

What is a Condom Catheter?

A condom catheter is a thin and flexible externally used system that is worn over the penis for the collection of accidental urine leakages during incontinence issues. These are non-invasive systems that are easy to use as their employment does not require the services of a healthcare provider. The patient can employ a condom catheter by himself.

Applications of Male Condom Catheters

While learning how to use a condom catheter, the first thing that comes to mind is to check if the patient needs a catheter or not. Here are some of the medical conditions that require using a condom catheter in male subjects:

• Men with bladder or prostate issues
• People with poor bladder control resulting in urinary incontinence
• Elderly with mobility issues
• Bedridden patients

How to Use a Condom Catheter?

If you or your patient is suffering from any of the above conditions, condom catheters are the right choice for them. While learning how to use a condom catheter, it is important to keep in mind the step-by-step guide that walks you through the process of using the device in the right way. Here is how to do so:

Good Hygiene, Lesser Risk of Infections

The first step in learning how to use a condom catheter is to wash your hands with soap and water. This will eliminate any germs that could get transferred to the catheter or the penile skin and become the cause of an infection.

Do I Have the Right Size?

The next step in learning how to use a condom catheter is to select a suitable condom catheter. This is important because a bigger condom catheter falls off very easily leading to urine spilling while a smaller one does not fit properly.

Even if you make it work somehow, there is a risk of constriction in the penis leading to reduced blood flow. Moreover, these can also cause skin irritation, redness, itching, as well as, in severe cases, necrosis of the penis which indicates permanent tissue damage.

The following table shows the condom catheter sizes that are available in the market:

Size	Measurement
Small	24 or 25 mm
Medium	28 or 29 mm
Intermediate	31 or 32 mm
Large	35 or 36 mm
Extra-large	40 or 41 mm

Proper Application is the Key

While learning how to use a condom catheter, it is essential to focus on proper donning of the device. If your condom catheter is non-adhesive, there is a need to apply a lubricant on the penile skin which can hold the catheter in place. Otherwise, in the case of catheters that come with an adhesive layer, no preparation prior to applying the catheter is required.

Now, the condom catheter should be held in one hand and gently inserted over the penile area until a snug fit is achieved. Always leave a gap of about 1 to 2 inches between the tip of the penis and that of the condom catheter. This helps prevent skin irritation and keeps the patient comfortable throughout the day.

Connect the Drainage Assembly

The drainage assembly consists of a drainage tube and a urine collection bag. One end of the drainage tube is connected to the condom catheter while the other empties into the drainage bag. While learning how to use a condom catheter, keep in mind to tie the drainage bag either with the patient’s thigh or, if the patient is bedridden, it should be hung with the bed below the bladder level.

How to Maintain a Condom Catheter?

When it comes to maintenance of the device while learning how to use a condom catheter, the following tips can not only maximize the performance but also reduce the risk of infections:

Replace the Catheter Every 24 Hours

A condom catheter is a single-use item that is only suitable for 24-hour long usage. Therefore, these should never be reused after washing or cleaning. In addition, exceeding the usage duration can be risky as the traces of urine on the penis can initiate a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Remember never to pull the catheter off. Rather, roll it gently off the penile skin. If the adhesive is strong, keep a warm washcloth over the catheter for a few seconds to loosen the device.

Wash the Penile Area

Wash the penile area at least once every 24 hours. This is recommended when a used catheter is removed and a new one is to be employed. Using soap and water can wash away most of the germs or urine traces which is a necessary practice while learning how to use a condom catheter.

Empty the Drainage Bag

Never let the urine collection bag become full. Instead, empty it when the level reaches ²/₃. This is because a fully filled urine bag allows the backflow of urine into the bladder which is one of the common causes of contracting urinary tract infections.

Properly Position the Urine Collection Bag

Backflow of urine also happens when the urine bag is not kept below the bladder level. This is why its proper positioning is essential.

Clean the Drain Spout

Regularly cleaning the drain spout on the drainage bag is also essential. To do so, alcohol swabs can be used.

Inspect the Penile Skin Regularly

Regularly inspect the penile skin for any redness or irritation. It helps prevent infections or skin breakouts and is, therefore emphasized, while learning how to use a condom catheter. If the skin shows signs of inflammation, sores, or maceration, do not apply the condom catheter.

Rotate Leg Bag Placement

If the urine bag is attached to the thigh or leg, attach it to a different side every other day. This helps prevent skin irritation.

Condom Catheters at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Condom catheters, also known as male external catheters or Texas catheters, are non-invasive systems that divert the leaked urine from the bladder to a drainage bag. This is a system suitable for managing urinary incontinence.

While learning how to use a condom catheter, it is also important to become familiar with some of the best products available in the US market. Some of these reliable condom catheter brands 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 catheters have a sheath-like design that makes the donning and doffing of the device easy and quick. These systems also come with an adhesive strip that keeps the catheter in place and does not allow it to either get displaced or fall.

In addition, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheters come with a coating of aloe vera that keeps the penile skin soft and irritation-free. Furthermore, the product is also free from latex, a known skin irritant often present in medical devices.

Additionally, while learning how to use a condom catheter, keep in mind that these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheters have a size of 40 mm which is extra-large.

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 size of 25 mm. These are excellent for managing the incontinence issues. The product is constructed using hydrocolloid silicone material which is known for its flexibility as well as soft texture.

Moreover, while learning how to use a condom catheter, keep in mind that these Bard # 938383 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external catheters are non-sterile, single-use products and can only be employed once.

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 have a size of 29 mm. Owing to their hydrocolloid silicone-based construction, these are soft and flexible and, therefore, keep the patient comfortable throughout the day. Moreover, their non-irritant nature makes them suitable for people with extremely sensitive skin.

While learning how to use a condom catheter, keep in mind that these Bard # 938385 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external catheters come in a size of 29 mm size and are non-sterile, single-use products.

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 have a self-adhesion property that ensures a snug fit when the device is worn. This way, there is also no need to add additional adhesive materials. The product, like other condom catheters, is single-use and non-sterile.

While learning how to use a condom catheter, it is important to check the construction material. In this case, these Bard # 961149 Spirit™2 male external catheters are constructed using hydrocolloid silicone which is soft and non-irritant to the skin. The size of the product is 29 mm.

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 have a self-adhesion feature that eliminates the need for additional adhesive aid. The product provides a snug fit that prevents accidental displacement or falling.

Moreover, these Bard # 938378 Spirit™1 male external catheters have a size of 25 mm and are single-use items. The construction material is hydrocolloid which gives them flexibility. Overall, the product is considered one of the finest items when it comes to learning about how to use a condom catheter.

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

The condom catheters mentioned in this article while learning how to use 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

Condom catheters are external-use, non-invasive systems that collect urine leakages and empty them into a drainage bag. This way, the patient does not have to keep running to the bathroom if they face severe mobility issues.

While learning how to use a condom catheter, it is important to follow the step-by-step procedure mentioned in the article so that you can maximize the device’s performance as well as reduce the risk of infections or skin irritation.

Considering their importance, it is best to keep a stock of at least the next 10 days so that the patient can use the device comfortably and consistently. For purchasing different condom catheter sizes, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

References

https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-older-americans/