Condom Catheter
A condom catheter is an easy-to-use male urinary device that fits over male penises just like condoms. A flexible sheath is attached to a tube that drains urine into a storage bag. Such catheter types are good for those who suffer urinary incontinence because of some medical conditions or an advanced form of Alzheimer’s disease.
The condom catheter can be simply rolled throughout the penis. It will then be attached to it via different methods. A good way of securing the condom catheter is through a double-sided adhesive. Another way would be to use a jockey-type strap or foam straps.
This external condom catheter has to be regularly changed in every 24 to 48 hours. After removing the condom catheter, the penis should be cleaned thoroughly using soap and water. The area should be fully dry before applying another condom catheter. If not, moisture will start to manifest itself on wet areas, paving the way for bacterial growth. There is also a great possibility that the bacteria present will cause urinary tract infections.
A condom catheter can be made from several materials, including latex. A person who is allergic to latex can do well to avoid such material. Various catheters can be attached to the male penis in many ways, including a Velcro attachment or using special tapes. Instructions in putting the condom catheter on and off must be followed at all times.
There are occasions that the adhesive used by the condom catheter will cause an irritation to the penis shaft. If such thing happens, the person affected should stop using the condom catheter until the irritation is fully gone. He can opt for urinary incontinence underwear or pads. Urine is known to be irritating for the skin, which means incontinence pads should be changed frequently to avoid any other further damage to the skin.
Putting on a Condom Catheter
When putting a condom catheter on, you have to wash you wash the penis first using soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Having a condom catheter will be more comfortable if you can clip or shave off the hair in the penis base. With the penis angled at 90 degrees, roll over the condom catheter, and leave at least an inch or two at the end of the catheter. Drape the sheath holder of the condom catheter at the penis base. Connect the condom catheter to the urine bag’s tube.
The urinary drainage storage bag that is attached to the condom catheter is available in different sizes to accommodate the different needs of the average individual. For active men, a small drainage bag will be attached all the way through the upper thighs using straps. The bag is designed to be discreet, which can be easily emptied down into the toilet. Larger bags for a regular catheter are available for home use. These urinary bags will be positioned on the floor besides the patient, and it may also be attached to a chair’s bottom.
It is important to remember that when caring for someone with a condom catheter, check that the drainage port be secured at all times. If accidentally left open, urine will surely leak out into the floor. The leg bag of a condom catheter usually has a small drainage port that should be capped at all times to keep urine from leaking and soaking all the way through the pants.
A picture of a Condom Catheter.