I will be posting information on the different types of catheters. This first posting is about male external catheters. I will also be posting information on intermittent catheters and indwelling catheters in the near future.
Some external urine collection devices are designed just for men. These are usually called condom or male external catheters. Some are designed specifically for use during the day (while upright — walking or sitting). Some male collection devices are designed specifically for use at night when lying down. There are a variety of different types of products on the market, but all are management tools — none actually treats or cures incontinence.
Male external collection products offer the security of knowing that should leakage occur, something is in place to collect it.
Male external (condom) catheters are connected to a leg bag during the day and a nighttime bedside collector while sleeping.
If you are using any incontinence management device, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional about your incontinence so that you can properly rule out any serious underlying cause. This is also the best way to find the treatment and management options that work the best for you and is appropriate for your type of urinary incontinence.
Sometimes there may not be a curative treatment available, and so you might wish to use a collection device, such as this male external catheter. You still need to wear an absorbent protective product as occasional or slight leakage may still occur (as often happens when on medication or after a surgery for the treatment of incontinence).
