Things To Know About Male External Catheters

External catheters are used to treat severe urinary incontinence in men or other types of related bodily leakage. They are sometimes called condom catheters and are attached to the tip of the male organ and then connected to an external bag or pouch, this treatment option is often prescribed to older males when other options have not been effective in dealing with the problem. Here is a primer on what you should know about male external catheters. 

Is An External Catheter Appropriate For You?

Treatment options are prescribed after much deliberation and evaluation of every patient’s condition as well as risks and other factors. Here are the instances in which an external catheter can be considered as a viable option for you:-

• Dermatitis caused by severe incontinence– when urine is continuously leaking onto the skin around the thighs and the male organ it can cause skin reactions, inflamed skin, weeping dermatitis and other painful rash symptoms. A catheter can stop incontinence and therefore stop the occurrence of dermatitis at its source. Dermatitis can be triggered very easily if someone has sensitive skin and a catheter can help manage this problem. 
• Nighttime urination– many males that suffer from incontinence may regularly or frequently wet the bed and a catheter can provide some dignity (similar to a dignity blanket) and prevent this occurrence. 
• Mental problems– certain mental problems like dementia, amnesia or others can cause an individual to forget when they need to go to the bathroom so a catheter is good caution to practice. It also helps a caregiver to do their job better as the patient may be unable to communicate their needs. 
• Impaired mobility– males on a wheelchair or other mobility aid equipment will appreciate not having to navigate their way around a bathroom every hour or so, if they have a catheter attached after consultation with their doctor. 
• Overactive bladder and stress induced incontinence– certain individuals have a condition known as an overactive bladder and they may have incontinence with it that is induced by stress and anxiety making it a very uncomfortable combination. A catheter can prevent embarrassing situations from arising. 

Living Well With An External Incontinence 

It can seem tricky to live with an external catheter for men but by following some basic tips, you can have a fairly comfortable life and get used to one for the duration of your treatment plan. Firstly, always have the right size chosen for you by a doctor or healthcare professional. Whenever handling the catheter (such as applying or removing it) always have your hands washed or disinfected so you are not transferring bacteria onto the catheter itself. A doctor will advise you to lightly wash the penis with a mild soap solution or an intimate wash when you go to the bathroom or take a shower. It is also vital to evaluate the skin around your male organ daily so you can be certain that the catheter fits you properly and is not causing any skin infection or irritation.