Catheters and Sheaths: Find Relief and Confidence

Urinary incontinence affects both men and women and has many causes. Men who experience incontinence often rely on a catheter to collect urine when loss of bladder control interferes with standard urination. External catheters for males, also called condom catheters, include a sheath for urination that is attached with a medical adhesive, and a bag for urine collection that is strapped to the thigh or lower leg. Unlike indwelling catheters, external catheters are generally non-irritating and can be used for extended periods of time. Honest Medical carries a broad range of external catheter and sheath supplies designed to provide discreet and effective protection.

When Are External Catheters and Sheaths Needed?

External catheters (condom catheters) and sheaths offer a non-invasive alternative to indwelling catheters. They are primarily designed for men with urinary incontinence who do not experience urinary retention. Key indicators for their use include:

• Skin Health: Ideal for those with moderate to severe incontinence who find adult diapers cause moisture-related skin irritation or rashes.
• Mobility Limitations: A practical solution for users who cannot reach the bathroom due to injury, surgery recovery, or frailty.
• Neurological & Cognitive Conditions: Highly effective for patients managing:
  • Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s.
  • Spinal cord injuries or stroke recovery.
• Infection Prevention: Unlike internal (indwelling) catheters, external options significantly reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and are generally more comfortable for long-term use.

Tips for Using Your External Catheter and Sheath

Ensure you have sufficient supplies for your external catheter and sheath system. Key supplies include:

• Catheter sheaths: Change daily; available in latex or latex-free with an adhesive bond.
• Adhesive wipes: For cleaning residue.
• Drainage bags: Day bags attach to the leg; bedside bags for night. Tubing is typically included, but extension tubing is available for leg bags.

Tips for managing your catheter and sheath system:

• Sizing: Choose a snug but comfortable sheath size.
• Schedule: Change sheaths every 24 hours; change drainage bags every one to two weeks.
• Preparation: Clean and dry the area thoroughly with soap and water before application. Use an adhesive wipe for residue removal; consider shaving the area to prevent hair from sticking to the adhesive.
• Application: Apply the sheath to completely dry skin. Leave a 1-2 inch space above the drainage tube to prevent irritation. Secure the adhesive by squeezing for 10-15 seconds.
• Positioning: Place the bag below the bladder, ensure tubing is kink-free, and use extension tubing for lower leg bags to avoid pulling.
• Removal: Use soap and water for gentle removal to help the sheath slide off.
• Monitoring: Check skin under the sheath for redness/irritation. Contact a doctor if you have signs of infection (fever/chills). Check for leaks, which may indicate the wrong sheath size.

Learn More

Honest Medical has a broad range of catheter supplies, including products and accessories for both external and indwelling systems. In addition, our blog, Honest Ideas, has helpful articles on a variety of health and wellness topics of interest. For any questions about catheter supplies, please contact an Honest Medical Care Specialist at (833) 933-2323.