Male External Catheters – Overcoming Basic Catheterization Issues

Male External Catheter may sometimes not stay in place due to hyper mobile foreskin. To overcome this issue, you can consult your healthcare provider and go for circumcision.

Catheter is being Pulled or Tugged

If you feel that your catheter is being pulled or tugged, you can secure the extension tubing to the upper thigh. Catheter straps can be used to secure the tubing in place. This will reduce the tension applied on the catheter.

Connecting Tube slips away from the Catheter

If the materials of connecting tube and male external catheter are not compatible, connecting tube may slip away from the catheter. Choose compatible materials to prevent this from happening. You can also roll the tube a bit further over the tip of the external catheter for better security.

Coloplast Conveen Optima Male External Catheter

Coloplast Freedom Cath Male External Condom Catheter

Rochester WideBand Male External Catheter

There can be many reasons for urine leakage from the catheter:

• Condom catheter does not fit properly – Take the measurements again and go for the correct size of the male external catheter.
• Adhesive glue you have chosen is not that effective – Either use more amount of adhesive glue or try using a different brand of adhesive glue.
• Adhesive glue and external catheter material are not compatible – Use compatible materials because incompatibility will not let the glue stick to the catheter.
• Incorrect technique to apply the adhesive is used – Practice the technique of applying the adhesive on a model first.
• Hair may be caught between the skin and the catheter – Remove the hair that can be caught between the skin and the catheter to prevent small leakages.

Removing the External Catheter is Painful

Skin adhesive used to affix the catheter to the skin may sometimes pose a difficulty in removing the catheter. For pain-free removal of condom catheter, take a warm washcloth and cover it around the catheter. Leave it on the catheter for a minute to loosen any adhesive stuck to the skin. Then gently unroll the catheter off the penis. Remember not to use hot water to prevent skin burns.

Sore on the Penis Shaft

Pressure sore can develop on the penis shaft due to the following reasons:

• Chosen catheter size is too small – Select a condom catheter with larger size.
• Too much pressure is exerted by the rim – To minimize the pressure exerted, cut the rim.
• Too much pressure is exerted by the tape or adhesive strip – The tape or adhesive strip should not be wrapped in a circular fashion but in a spiral pattern.

Sore on the Foreskin

Many times, the pressure exerted by the external catheter becomes too high due to erection. This can lead to a pressure sore on the foreskin. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring that you leave enough space between the tip of the condom catheter and the foreskin.

Skin gets too Damp

Skin gets too damp if you apply the external catheter too soon after taking a shower or a bath. Ideally, you should wait for around 15 minutes after taking a shower or a bath and then apply the catheter.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) can be avoided by keeping the following points in mind:

• Maintain optimal hygiene conditions to prevent urinary tract infections. Appropriate patient education on the mechanism of UTI development and instructions related to the hygienic aspects of male external catheters should be gone through.
• Increase the fluid intake because low fluid intake can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
• If the condom replacement interval becomes more than 24 hours, the risk of developing urinary tract infections increases.

Allergic Skin Reaction

If you develop an allergic skin reaction due to the presence of latex in the condom catheter, use powder-free and latex-free male external catheters.

Skin Abrasions and Fungal Infections

In case you develop skin abrasions or fungal infections, consult a healthcare provider immediately.