Urine collection devices for men includes external (or condom) catheters.
Some external urine collection devices are designed just for men. These include the condom or external catheter. Male external collection devices include disposable and reusable products. 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, but all are management tools — none actually treats or cures incontinence.
Using Male External Urine Collection Devices
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 option that works best for you. Sometimes there may not be a curative treatment available, and therefore you might wish to use a collection device. Also, you may try a treatment option, but still need to wear some 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).
Male external collection products offer the security of knowing that should leakage occur, something is in place to collect it. For many people with incontinence, absorbent products and/or collection devices are their only options.
The most common male external urine collection devices are:
- Male external (condom) catheters connected to a leg bag during the day and a nighttime bedside collector while sleeping
- Male pouches (absorbent pouch that holds just the penis)
- Male guards and liners
- Male urinals
- Absorbent briefs designed specifically for men
Men – Have you tried Kegel Exercises?
Tips and Tricks for Using Male External Urine Collection Devices
Skin: Keeping the skin that comes into contact with urine or BM clean and dry is important. When changing absorbent products, wash the perineal area with mild soap (not a deodorant soap) and warm water. Then pat the skin dry (do not rub). Application of a skin ointments especially formulated for incontinence can further protect the skin.
For more general information on Male Urinary Incontinence, click here.
Medical Reviewer: Mary Ann Anichini, GNP-BC
Ms. Mary Ann Anichini, GNP-BC
Ms. Anichini has an undergraduate nursing degree from Loyola University of Chicago and a Masters in nursing sciences from University of Illinois School of Public Health Nursing. She is a certified Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and has worked with older adults in community and institutional settings since 1977. Her work has been involved in the design and development of educational modules for caregivers of the frail elderly with Presbyterian Homes of Chicago, Methodist Homes and Services, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, The University of Illinois School of Social Work, The National Alzheimer’s Association and The Presbyterian Homes. She has focused on the implementation of “best practices” in the long term care setting. Of greatest interest, are those practices that have the greatest potential to impact quality of life for much of the nursing home population (e.g., Restorative Nursing, Hydration, Bowel Hygiene, and Continence). Currently, Ms. Anichini is currently employed at Hollister Incorporated, a medical device manufacturer that develops and sells devices for Ostomy, Wound Care, and Continence Care.