Urinary incontinence or UI is an issue that equally affects both men and women. According to the statistics published in Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, almost 6 million men in the US experience urinary incontinence. In most cases, the physicians recommend using catheters that can manage the urine leakages by directing them towards a drainage assembly. In this regard, the employment of PureWick male external catheters is often preferred by both the patients and the healthcare providers.
Urinary incontinence affects men of all age groups
In this article, let us explore PureWick male external catheters in terms of their usage method and efficiency. In addition, some of the best PureWick products have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.
What are PureWick Male External Catheters?
PureWick male external catheters are the non-invasive devices used for managing urinary incontinence among men. These systems consist of a PureWick urine collection system pump along with a PureWick male external catheter (which can be purchased separately).
The catheter covers the outer genitalia and is connected to a tubing that leads the urine to the holding canister.
Who Needs a PureWick Male External Catheter?
The ideal candidates for employing a PureWick male external catheter for urinary assistance include:
- Patients who cannot use indwelling catheters
- Have a skin injury or irritation due to urinary incontinence
- Have rashes and redness due to excess use of diapers
- Cannot use urinals
- Patients who have mobility issues or are completely bedridden
How Does a PureWick Male External Catheter Work?
When a PureWick male external catheter is placed over the penile area, the patient can urinate in the catheter. Then, the device uses low-pressure suctioning to transfer this voided urine from the base of the catheter into the holding canister via tubing.
Catheters should be used after consulting your healthcare provider
How to Use a PureWick Male External Catheter?
While using a PureWick male external catheter, the following step-by-step guide should be followed:
Prepare the PureWick Male External Catheters
The first step is to have a PureWick male external catheter at hand that can be employed externally. In addition, you will also require a standard suction tube and a collection canister with a lid. Make sure that the tubing and the canister are clean and have been sanitized properly as these are reusable products. However, the PureWick male external catheters are single-use items and cannot be used more than once.
Prepare the Patient
Before applying the PureWick male external catheter in place, it is also important to clip the pubic hair. If the hair is thick and dense, you can also trim them.
Perform Perineal Care
The next step is to provide perineal care to the patient. For this purpose, drying wipes are often provided with the product which should be used to clean the area. Make sure the skin is not moist as this weakens the adhesion of the PureWick male external catheter when placed over the genitalia. It is also important to check the skin integrity by looking for any signs of redness, rashes, or sores.
Place the PureWick Male External Catheter
To place the PureWick male external catheter in place, hold the catheter with one hand and gently slide it over the penis until it is close to the pelvic skin. Make sure that the center of the penis is within the opening of the catheter.
Now, remove the adhesive liner and apply gentle pressure on the device against the pelvic skin to ensure proper adhesion. Once fixed in place, the system provides a full seal around the penis that ensures minimum leakages.
Attach the Drainage Assembly
Once the PureWick male external catheter is in place, the next step is to attach the tubing and the holding canister. These canisters are small in size and can be placed on a side table or a nightstand. As for the tubing, it is long enough to allow movement to the patient.
Schedule Replacement
Each PureWick male external catheter can be used for about 24 hours. As these are single-use items, their replacement and disposal after the recommended usage period is necessary. The used catheters must be discarded immediately as these contain numerous germs that can become the cause of infections.
Never prolong the use of PureWick male external catheters without consulting your healthcare provider. You should also change the catheter if it is soiled with blood, semen, or feces. While replacing the catheter, always peel it in the direction from head to foot. Never pull it as it can cause skin injury.
PureWick Male External Catheters: Frequently Asked Questions
PureWick male external catheters are well-known products for the management of urinary incontinence. Some of the FAQs regarding their usage have been summarized in the following section:
1. Who should not use PureWick male external catheters?
PureWick male external catheters are contraindicated among patients who:
- Have urinary retention
- Are agitated and uncooperative as they can try to remove the device
- Have bowel incontinence issues (PureWick male external catheters can be used in this condition if the fecal management system is in place)
- Have an irritated or compromised skin
- Have a fresh surgical wound
2. Can I use a barrier cream on my penis before applying PureWick male external catheters?
No, the use of barrier creams on the penile area or the pubic skin is not recommended. This is because these can interfere with the adhesive of the catheter and loosen it resulting in displacement of the device. In addition, these creams can also affect the suctioning process.
3. Can PureWick male external catheters be used after penile surgery?
Yes, PureWick male external catheters can be used for urinary management among patients who have recently gone through surgery on the external urogenital tract, pubic area, or penis. However, this should be done with caution by a trained healthcare provider.
4. Can PureWick male external catheters be reused?
No, the PureWick male external catheters are single-sue products that cannot be re-employed. These should be used only for 24 hours. If the catheter has been soiled within these 24 hours with feces, blood, or semen, it should be replaced with a new one.
5. When should I replace the catheter tubing and holding canister?
The tube as well as the holding canister that is attached to the single-use PureWick male external catheter can be employed more than once. These should be cleaned and sanitized after every use. It is also recommended to replace them after every 60 days. If you see that the products are degrading or breaking, the replacement can be done sooner.
UI is a manageable condition with the use of PureWick male external catheters
Male External Catheters at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
PureWick male external catheters are single-use, non-invasive items that manage urinary leakages among men. These stick to the skin around the penis and stay in place until removed after a usage period of 24 hours.
While learning about PureWick male external catheters, it is also important to become familiar with some of the best products available in the US market. Some of these top-quality male external 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
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 products known for managing urinary incontinence. These can only be employed once and are non-invasive. Moreover, the item is also non-sterile.
To further increase the comfort level of the product, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheters are manufactured using soft and flexible construction material. This allows the user to move around easily while wearing the external catheter.
Moreover, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheters also come with a strong adhesive strip that provides security while the device is in place. Additionally, a layer of aloe vera has also been incorporated into the design to enhance user comfort.
Furthermore, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheters have a size of 40 mm which is extra-large. These are also free from latex which is one of the known skin irritants.
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 have a size of about 25 mm. These are non-sterile items that are suitable for a single use only. The construction material is hydrocolloid-based silicone that is soft and flexible and, therefore, keeps the product comfortable for the users.
Moreover, these Bard # 938383 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external condom catheters are also easy to wear as these can be easily slid over the penile area and remain in place during the usage period.
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 soft and flexible products that are constructed using hydrocolloid silicone-based material. These have a diameter of about 29 mm and are non-sterile. Their single-use nature allows the device to be used only once followed by immediate disposal after its recommended usage period.
Furthermore, these Bard # 961149 Spirit™2 male external catheters have a self-adhesive layer that allows easy attachment to the skin as well as adherence to the device in place for longer.
97629 Hollister InView Silicone Extra Male External Urinary Catheter Medium 29mm Purple
97629 Hollister InView Silicone Extra Male External Urinary Catheter Medium 29mm Purple
US$91.88
Product Details
97629 Hollister InView Silicone extra male external urinary catheters are employed in men with urinary incontinence issues. These have a medium size with a diameter of 29 mm and are free from latex. The product is transparent and allows the visualization of the skin so that possible redness or irritation can be diagnosed.
Moreover, 97629 Hollister InView Silicone extra male external urinary catheters contain 70% more adhesive than the standard catheters which offers enhanced security during the 24-hour wear time. The product also helps prevent the urine backing up which can result in leakages.
33102 Next Rochester UltraFlex Male External Catheter Medium
33102 Next Rochester UltraFlex Male External Catheter Medium
US$179.88
Product Details
33102 Next Rochester UltraFlex male external catheters are medium-sized devices that can self-adhere to the penile skin with ease. A medical-grade skin adhesive has been incorporated into the device that eliminates the need for straps or tapes to keep the catheter in place.
Furthermore, these 33102 Next Rochester UltraFlex male external catheters are constructed using silicone which is soft and flexible and has a non-irritant nature. It is also clear, a feature that does not allow the device to become visible under the clothing.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Overactive bladder is one of the causes of UI
The PureWick male external catheters and other urinary management devices mentioned in this article 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 external catheters.
Conclusion
Urinary incontinence affects millions of people in the world including both males and females. The condition is associated with unintentional and uncontrolled urinary flow that soils the patient’s clothes. This way, people often feel reduced self-esteem and compromised quality of life.
The PureWick male external catheters have been offered as a solution. These are external use systems that can be employed easily and remain in place for a full day. Their single-use and non-invasive nature ensures that the risk of urinary tract infections as well as skin breakouts is minimal.
Considering the importance of PureWick male external catheters, these should be purchased and kept in storage for future use. For purchasing different PureWick male external catheters, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0095454319300077
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.
