Male Condom Catheters: What They Are, How to Use Them, and Choosing the Right Size

Male condom catheters are recommended for patients who experience moderate to severe incontinence issues. These devices are efficient at collecting urine leakages and draining them in a urine collection bag. With a huge population of men, especially the elderly, going through urinary incontinence issues, the use of male condom catheters solves the problem. But what exactly are male condom catheters and how are they used?

In this article, let us learn about male condom catheters as well as their usage method and size selection procedures. In addition, some of the commonly used products in this domain have also been linked for the reader’s ease.

What are Male Condom Catheters?

Male condom catheters, also known as male external catheters, are externally used, non-invasive devices for the collection of urine leakages due to incontinence issues. These are designed like a condom and can be easily worn over the penis.

A prime advantage is that the patients can don them by themselves giving them privacy and confidence. This eliminates the need to get help from a caregiver or acquire the services of a trained healthcare provider. Each male condom catheter can only be employed once for 24 hours.

How to Use Male Condom Catheters?

To use male condom catheters properly, it is advised to the user to follow the given instructions step-by-step:

Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands before handling male condom catheters. This is because most germs get transferred to the penile skin through the palms which can proliferate and result in moderate to severe urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Clean the Penis

Clean the penis and its surrounding area by washing it with soap and water. Let it air dry. This further reduces the risk of infections and skin issues such as irritation or redness.

Trim the Penile Hair

Trim the hair below the penis to achieve a snug fit when the condom catheter is employed. You can also clip them if trimming is not possible.

Choose a Suitable Male Condom Catheter

Now, choose the right-sized male condom catheter for yourself or your patient. To do so, refer to the next section.

Roll Over the Condom Catheter

Once you have the correct male condom catheter size, hold the penile area with one hand and roll over the condom catheter. Make sure that the tip of the penis is at least 1 to 2 inches away from the tip of the catheter. This gives flexibility to the patient and reduces the risk of skin irritation.

Secure the Catheter in Place

For proper adhesion, an adhesive or a strap can be employed. However, some male condom catheters come with an adhesive layer in them. You just have to wear the catheter and hold it in place for about 15 seconds until it becomes fixed in place.

Attach the Drainage Assembly

Now, the next step is to attach the drainage tube as well as the urine collection bag with the condom catheter. The tube receives the urine flow and directs it towards the drainage bag. Make sure that the drainage bag is tied to the patient’s thigh.

If the patient is bedridden, the drainage bag should be hung along the patient’s bed below the bed surface to achieve positioning below the bladder. When you are done, wash your hands thoroughly.

Ensure Timely Replacement

Keep in mind that male condom catheters are single-use devices that can only be employed once. Therefore, a daily replacement is necessary. However, the drainage assembly is reusable. Also, empty the drainage bag when it is almost 75% or ²/₃ filled. This will prevent the backflow of urine into the urethra, a practice responsible for urinary tract infections.

Male Condom Catheters: Choosing the Right Size

While using male condom catheters, selecting the right size is important to prevent issues like skin irritation as well as urine leakages. This is because a catheter too big can easily fall off of the penis while a smaller condom catheter can cause constriction resulting in pain and discomfort. Therefore, any of the following methods should be adopted to select the right-sized condom catheter:

• Sizing by tape measurement
• Sizing by stencil measurement

Sizing by Tape Measurement

In this process, the patient needs to take a flexible measuring tape and check the circumference of the widest part of the penile shaft. To do so, follow the given steps:

• Measure the penis size in its flaccid state to avoid any constriction or discomfort while wearing a condom catheter.
• Sit on the edge of a bed with legs slightly apart while measuring the penis circumference.
• If you cannot measure the right size by yourself, with the help of a caregiver or a healthcare professional.
• Divide the obtained circumference value by 3.14 (pi). This will give you the diameter.
• Match this diameter in the given table to get your condom catheter size.

Condom Catheter Size	Tape Measurements	Obtained Diameter*
Small	7.5 cm	24 or 25 mm
Medium	8.8 cm	28 or 29 mm
Intermediate	9.7 cm	31 or 32 mm
Large	11 cm	35 or 36 mm
Extra large	125 cm	40 or 41 mm

*Keep in mind that the diameters mentioned in the above table against each size are multiple because different condom catheter manufacturing companies use slightly different size guides. Therefore, if your size, for instance, is 24 mm, you can buy either a 24 mm or a 25 mm catheter.

**If you cannot find your size in the table, get a catheter that is closer to your measurement. For example, if your size is 27 mm, get the 24 or 25 mm catheter. This is because male condom catheters are stretchable due to their silicone-based construction.

Sizing by Stencil Measurement

Another method of measuring the right size of the male condom catheters is by employing a stencil. This is how you do it:

• Get a star-shaped stencil with different measurements marked on it.
• Ensure that the penis is in the flaccid state.
• Place the crest of the stencil over the penis just behind the head.
• Check which crest fits the area perfectly. This is your male condom catheter size.

Male Condom Catheters at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Male condom catheters are the items employed for managing urinary incontinence. These are the devices which can be worn over the penis. Their non-invasive nature renders them suitable for most patients.

While learning about different kinds of male condom catheters, it is essential to go through some of the products as well. Some of these male 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 catheters are the urinary collection systems. These are soft and flexible and keep the patient comfortable throughout the wear time.

Moreover, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external condom catheters also have an adhesive layer that keeps them attached to the penile skin. This way, the product does not fall or displace during usage.

Furthermore, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external condom catheters also have an aloe vera layer to further smoothen the usage and prevent possible skin irritation and rashes. Their diameter is 40 mm and these are free from irritant materials like latex.

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 hydrocolloid silicone-based systems that have a diameter of about 25 mm. These are soft and stretchable.

This feature helps the user hold the catheter comfortably while wearing it. In addition, the device fits the penile area properly as well. Moreover, these Bard # 938383 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external condom catheters are non-sterile products that can only be used 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 diameter of 29 mm. Once worn, these condom catheters do not slip or fall off owing to their non-slip design. Moreover, the product is also comfortable to wear and does not irritate the skin.

Moreover, these Bard # 938385 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external catheters are single-use items that are non-sterile.

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 self-adhesive systems that are one of the best devices for the management of urinary incontinence. These are single-use, non-sterile devices which have a diameter of 29 mm.

Moreover, these Bard # 961149 Spirit™2 male external catheters have hydrocolloid silicone-based construction which gives them a smooth and soft texture. These fit the penile area easily and provide a snug fit that prevents falling or accidental displacement.

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 size of 25 mm. Their non-sterile and single-use nature renders them suitable for patients as there is no need to wash and clean the device after every use.

These Bard # 938378 Spirit™1 male external catheters are constructed using a hydrocolloid silicone-based material known for its flexibility and comfort. In addition, it is non-irritant to the skin as well. The softer texture of these Bard # 938378 Spirit™1 male external catheters ensures that the device can be worn for a longer period with minimum risk of skin issues.

Moreover, Bard # 938378 Spirit™1 male external catheters also snug fit over the penis. This way, the product does not displace or fall from its place once worn. As a result, the patient feels comfortable throughout the day while conducting day-to-day activities.

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

The male 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 male condom catheters.

Conclusion

Condom catheters or Texas catheters are non-invasive systems employed for collecting urine leakages in patients with urinary incontinence. These are won over the penile area where they fit in place and work for 24 hours. After this period, there is a need to replace them as dirty or overused male condom catheters can become the cause of urinary tract infections.

While selecting the right male condom catheters in terms of their size, the above-mentioned methods should be followed. The correct size is important as it eliminates the risk of falling off or displacement of the catheter.

Considering their importance, male condom catheters should be bought and stored if you or your loved ones are going through incontinence issues. For purchasing male condom catheters, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.