Many men at various points in their lives experience some urinary incontinence. If you’ve tried pads or other absorbent products and you’re ready for a real change, an external catheter may be right for you.  When you think catheter, usually it’s the internal Foley catheter inserted into you penis, down your urethra into the bladder. But the external catheter is just that – it’s external. Nothing goes into your body parts, so that should make you feel better about the word “catheter.”

Think of an external urinary catheter like a condom because it’s a lot like one. Made of silicone or latex, it goes over the penis, and it’s usually rolled on like a condom. When your bladder leaks, the condom catches it and the fluid goes through a tube into a drainage bag that’s usually affixed on your leg where it isn’t seen. Maybe you need to wear the external catheter only at night to avoid bed-wetting. Some men do use the catheter only at night.

Like traditional male condoms, size matters. Getting the right fit is important because leaks are what you’re trying to avoid, and being too tight can be so uncomfortable. Be sure to follow the instructions on affixing the external catheter condom to the penis, how to prepare the area for adhesives or attachment, and how to place the condom for the best protection.

Like other urinary catheters, external catheters lead to a bag where the urine collects for disposal later. Larger bags are often on the bedside, and smaller ones are attached the body or worn under the clothes at the abdomen or leg. With all the medical supplies available, there are many comfortable, inexpensive and reusable or sterile accessories and supplies to help your experience with an external catheter be easy and comfortable. Leg band straps, adhesive remover wipes, catheter straps with Velcro fasteners, flexible tubing, clamps, and kits make the process as easy and pain-free as possible.

Despite a design that would lead many to believe that catheters are a “men only” medical device, women too, can use an external urethral barrier. Much like a cap that’s placed over the urethral opening, it blocks urine from leaking. Women also can use a self-adhesive patch. Both of these devices block urine, however, and are barriers rather than catheters.