Incontinence can create a number of problems for men.  Not only can it be embarrassing, but for many men, it can be painful.  If someone you love is immobilized and has to wait for a catheter to be physically inserted in order to use the restroom, the waiting time can be painful after the bladder starts to fill.  More importantly, frequent use of insertable urinary catheters greatly increases the chances of a urinary tract infection as germs from the air, the hands, and the surrounding tissues are pushed into the urethra from the catheter itself.  Thankfully, a condom catheter can alleviate this problem.

With a condom catheter, the device is rolled onto the penis just like a traditional condom.  A seal is formed around the penis in order to keep urine from leaking out, and the patient is able to comfortably use the restroom without the pain and stress of inserting a new physical catheter into the urethra every time.  Infection risks decrease exponentially, as does the level of comfort experienced by the patient throughout the process.  For patients who don’t absolutely require insertable catheters, these are certainly much better options.

It is, of course, important for patients or caregivers to exercise a few bits of caution when putting a condom catheter on the penis.  For starters, it is important to make certain that the penis is clean and dry before it is put into place.  It is also important to trim away or shave any pubic hair that might get caught under the condom in order to prevent it being ripped out or pulled during removal, as this can be very painful for the patient.  It could also prevent the condom from forming a tight seal, allowing urine to leak out of the device.

Last, always remember to check the skin for any signs of irritation.  If there is irritation or redness present, it is recommended to use a traditional Foley catheter instead of a condom catheter.  This is in the interest of patient comfort.  Overall, however, most patients will find that a condom catheter is a much more comfortable and preferred option.  It also requires a great deal less precision and training on the part of the caretaker, which can allow patients a deeper sense of dignity.  Incontinence can be a very frustrating problem for sufferers, but these devices can certainly make dealing with it much easier for patients and caretakers alike.