What Is a Condom Catheter? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Urinary incontinence is the accidental leakage of urine in both male and female patients. In the US alone, nearly 13 million people go through this issue as per the National Library of Medicine. As a management tool, the use of condom catheters is often recommended by healthcare providers. But what is a condom catheter? Who is a suitable candidate for using a condom catheter? Are there any possible side effects of using the device?

In this article, let us address these questions regarding what is a condom catheter and more. In addition, let us also learn about some of the best brands available in the market.

What is a Condom Catheter?

A condom catheter, or as it is called, external catheter, is a device employed for collecting urine leakages due to incontinence in both males and females. This catheter is shaped like a condom and serves as a connection between the urethral opening and the drainage bad often attached to the patient’s thigh area.

Who Needs a Condom Catheter?

When it comes to learning about what is a condom catheter, it is also good to know the health conditions that are often managed by the use of condom catheters. These include the following:

1.      Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common issue experienced by many. It is associated with unintentional passing of urine primarily due to poor bladder control. By wearing a condom catheter, this leaked urine can be safely collected into a drainage bag.

2.      Dementia

With advancing age, most people experience poor memory often associated with a state of dementia. Such patients often forget to use the bathroom when they have the need to do so. As a result, the bladder control is lost resulting in urination. Condom catheters are worn by such individuals to avoid these accidental episodes of urination.

3.      Mobility Problems

People with mobility issues often find condom catheters to be useful as they often have problems while going to the bathroom.

4.      Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Overactive bladder is a condition associated with tightening of the bladder muscles on their own resulting in a strong and sudden urge of urination. This is often associated with incontinence as well. When it comes to learning about what is a condom catheter, it is important to know that people with OAB prefer to use condom catheters to manage this issue.

5.      Alcohol Withdrawal

People who are going through alcohol withdrawal often experience incontinence issues. Therefore, doctors recommend the use of condom catheters to manage the situation.

Pros

While learning about what is a condom catheter, it is important to look into the benefits this device brings to the patient. The following are some of the pros associated with the system:

· Non-Invasive External Devices

Condom catheters are external devices i.e. these are for external use, unlike internal catheters which are invasive. External use renders them non-invasive enhances the user-comfort and keeps them pain-free while wearing the condom catheter.

· Easy to Use

Condom catheters are also easy to use and can be easily changed within home settings without the services of a healthcare professional. This is important as self-usage reduces dependence on the healthcare staff or the caregiver and should be considered while learning about what is a condom catheter. These are more comfortable for the patient.

· Less Risk of Infections

With the use of external catheters, the risk of contracting catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) is significantly reduced. The chances of infection are often very high when an internal device is employed.

 · Less Movement Restrictions

While learning about what is a condom catheter, it is also important to understand that these devices do not restrict the patient’s day-to-day movements. Also, these systems remain in their place when the patient moves around.

Cons

Despite their several advantages, it is important to know learning about what is a condom catheter that these also have several cons. These have been enlisted as follows:

· Leakage Issues

While learning about what is a condom catheter, remember to choose a catheter size that is suitable according to your needs. If the size is wrong, proper fitting is not achieved. As a result, urine keeps on leaking from the catheter causing discomfort to the patient.

· Skin Irritation

With frequent use of condom catheters, there is a risk of skin irritation and breakdown. Sometimes it is not because of the catheter but due to frequent skin exposure to the urine.

· Falling Risk

If not fitted properly, condom catheters can fall off easily causing the urine to leak.

· Allergic Reaction

Due to the possibility of latex present in these devices, condom catheters can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals who are sensitive to the material.

· Painful Removal

While learning about what is a condom catheter, it should be kept in mind that removing a condom catheter can be painful.

Condom Catheters at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Condom catheters are the items employed for collecting urine that leaks due to incontinence issues. These are for both men and women. External catheters are better than internal ones due to the ease of usage and high comfort while these are being worn.

When it comes to learning about what is a condom catheter, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture condom catheters. Some of these well-known 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 catheter has been designed for the management of male urinary incontinence. These are connected to an external drainage system that collects the urine.

These devices are sheath-like and fit over the male copulatory organ without effort. The adhesive strip that comes with the catheter ensures a secure connection thus eliminating the need for extra tapes or straps. In addition, these 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheters have aloe vera to further make the usage easy.

When it comes to learning about what is a condom catheter, it should also be kept in mind that these should be latex-free. This feature ensures that the construction material of the catheter is not irritant to the skin. The size of the sheath opening is 40 mm in diameter which is extra-large. However, a suitable size should be chosen for the patient to achieve a snug fit.

These 6530 Coloplast Freedom clear advantage self-adhering male external catheters also reduce the risk of kinks and blockages and, therefore, reduce the risk of interruptions in the urine flow.

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 catheter is another product employed for collecting urine in people dealing with incontinence. These devices are constructed using hydrocolloid silicone which is a non-irritant material.

The size of these Bard # 938383 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external catheters is small with a diameter of 25 mm. When it comes to learning about what is a condom catheter, it is essential to know that the product is non-sterile 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 catheter is a product similar to the one mentioned above. Its hydrocolloid silicone-based construction keeps the device smooth to the touch and non-irritant in nature when employed for the management of urinary incontinence.

However, these Bard # 938385 Spirit™3 self-adhesive seal hydrocolloid-based male external catheters have a diameter of 29 mm which is larger than the previous item. While learning about what is a condom catheter, keep in mind that these items are not sterile. Moreover, these condom catheters are single-use items that must be disposed of properly.

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 bands that are easy to don on. These are constructed using hydrocolloid silicone-based material and are non-sterile.

When it comes to learning about what is a condom catheter, selecting the right size for the patient is important. For this particular product, the diameter of the 29 mm. In addition, their single-use nature eliminates the need to clean and maintain the device.

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 self-adhesive seals a similar product to the one that is mentioned above. The item is easy to use and highly effective for the management of urinary incontinence issues.

These Bard # 938378 Spirit™1 male external catheters are of medium size with a diameter of up to 25 mm. Their single-use nature allows the users to employ them comfortably and then discard them afterward without any need to clean and maintain them.

While learning about what is a condom catheter, it is also essential to learn that these Bard # 938378 Spirit™1 male external catheters are constructed using hydrocolloid silicone-based material that is strong yet highly comfortable.

Bard # 1158749 Female External Catheter PUREWICK® 10 L X1.5 W Inch

US$630.88

Product Details

Bard # 1158749 PUREWICK® female external catheter is a product that offers a size of 10 inches length x 1.5 inches width. These are single-use items that are non-sterile. Therefore, once their use is done, these catheters should be disposed of properly.

Moreover, these Bard # 1158749 PUREWICK® female external catheters have also been designed in a way to keep the skin dry. As a result, the risk of any infection or skin irritation is minimized. Apart from home-based use, these female external catheters are employed within hospitals as well as rehab facilities.

These devices use a low-pressure suction technology which pulls the urine into the attached drainage bag. The material is strong and the device fits in place in a way that the risk of falling is minimized.

*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 about what is 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 catheters.

Conclusion

Condom catheters are external use devices employed for the collection of urine which flows accidentally in patients dealing with urinary incontinence. These are easy-to-use and reliable systems that give confidence to the user and allow them to go through their day without being worried about leakage.

While learning about what is a condom catheter, it is important to remember that these are superior to internal catheters which are different to don for some patients. However, allergies and skin irritation are some of the issues associated with condom catheters. The choice of a condom catheter narrows down to the patient’s needs as well as the suitability of the device.

As condom catheters are important in healthcare facilities as well as in home settings, these should be purchased and kept in working condition for future use. For purchasing different condom catheters, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559095/