Catheters for Urinary Incontinence in Men

Catheters used to manage urinary incontinence include:

• Standard catheter. This is a thin, flexible, hollow tube that is inserted through the Reference urethra Opens New Window into the bladder and allows the urine to drain out. The Reference standard catheter Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window is used for Reference intermittent self-catheterization.
• Indwelling Foley catheter. This type of catheter, which remains in place continuously, has a balloon on the end that is inflated with sterile water after the end is inside the bladder. The inflated balloon prevents the catheter from slipping out. Reference Urinary tract infections Opens New Window are more likely to occur with long-term use of an Reference indwelling catheter Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window than with intermittent self-catheterization. For more information, see the topic Reference Care for an Indwelling Urinary Catheter.
• Condom catheter or Texas catheter. This is a special condom that fits over the penis and is attached to a tube that collects urine. Reference Condom catheters Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window are only for short-term use, because long-term use increases the risk of Reference urinary tract infections Opens New Window, damage to the penis from friction with the condom, and urethral blockage.

Catheterization may cause some discomfort during the procedure. A condom or Texas catheter does not cause much discomfort, because it is not inserted into the urethra, but indwelling catheters may cause some discomfort while in place.

Catheters can be used to treat severe incontinence that cannot be managed with medicines or surgery.

Catheters do not cure incontinence but rather allow you or a caregiver to manage incontinence.

These devices are effective. But some men find catheters uncomfortable or painful and stop using them.

Using a catheter increases your risk for:

• Reference Urinary tract infection Opens New Window.
• Damage to the Reference urethra Opens New Window.
• Damage to the skin of the penis.

The use of catheters can be under your control and can be designed to fit into your lifestyle.

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