Male External Catheters: Incontinence Protection For Men With Limited Mobility

Male external catheters can be an effective incontinence management option for men with limited mobility, offering worry-free convenience, comfort and security for extended periods of time.

A male external catheter (which may also be referred to as a urinary sheath, penile sheath, or condom catheter), is actually a body-worn system for incontinence management. The main part of the system is a soft, flexible condom-like sleeve which fits over the penis to collect urine. The sleeve is connected by tubing to a drainage bag, which can be discreetly affixed to the leg.

The sheaths or sleeves may be either disposable or reusable, and are available in both latex and non-latex materials. The sheath may be self-adhesive, or may be designed to be used with an applied adhesive.

Benefits of External Catheter Systems
The primary benefit of urinary sheath systems is long-lasting, secure protection. Typically the male external catheter systems can be worn for 12 to 24 hours or even longer before any adjustment is needed, which makes them an excellent choice for men with limited mobility.

Changing pads and undergarments can be a real ordeal for those who have any type of mobility problems. Those who are bed- or wheelchair-bound may require assistance each time a change is needed, and the elderly, handicapped, or anyone who has walking or balance problems can find it difficult to make changes in time to avoid wetness and leakage. Male external catheter systems, which remain in place for long periods, can tremendously reduce or even totally eliminate those problems.
Penile sheath systems may also keep the wearer significantly dryer than pads or special undergarments, avoiding wetness-related skin problems. In addition, they can reduce dependence on caretaker assistance.

Penile sheath systems are also a good choice for men who find that products such as pads and adult diapers, even when worn under special waterproof pants, don’t provide sufficient protection overnight. Unless they set an alarm and change pads in the middle of the night, wetness and leakage become a problem. Male external catheter systems can eliminate that problem, and the collection bag can be affixed to an external support (such as the bed itself) for comfortable, worry-free sleep.

In any situation where privacy and access to restroom facilities is limited, male external catheters or urinary sheath systems can offer a level of confidence and protection that pads and special garments (which need to be changed regularly and frequently) simply can’t match.

Some Factors To Consider
Though penile sheath systems can be a real solution for many, they aren’t perfect for everyone or the right choice for every situation.

Fit is crucial. In order to work as intended, male external catheters must fit very well. A sheath that is too tight can result in discomfort and even injury, while one that is too loose may be dislodged or slip off, resulting in wetness. The sheaths are available in a variety of sizes, and all major manufacturers offer sizing charts and assistance.

Some men experience adverse skin reactions to the material of the sheath or the adhesive used to adhere it. In addition, men with limited mobility and dexterity may require assistance with getting the sheath on and affixed properly.

For men who have any degree of penile retraction (a condition common in the elderly) a sheath system won’t work. In cases of penile retraction, a penile pouch which is affixed directly to the glans is a better choice.