External catheters, also sometimes referred to as condom catheters, penile sheaths, or urinary sheaths, are an invaluable part of incontinence management for millions of men.

There are many variations available and styles, materials, and other details vary by manufacturer, but the basic premise of these devices remains the same: a urine containment device fits over the penis and collects urine, either in an integral pouch or in drainage bag which is attached to the containment device.

The most common system configurations use a soft, flexible latex, polyvinyl, or silicone sheath that fits over the penis like a condom and is affixed with some type of adhesive, which is often “built into” the shealth itself. A length of tubing connects the sheath to a drainage bag, which is generally affixed to the leg with adjustable straps.

Variations on this system include two-piece sheaths, non-self-adhesive sheaths that are secured with strips, tape, or self-applied adhesive, and reusable collection devices that are held in place over the penis with straps, belts, or special briefs.

In addition, a variation designed for use by men with a retracted penis (common in the elderly) is available. This variation uses an adhesive urinary pouch, much like an ostomy pouch, that is affixed at the base of the penis.

Like all aspects of incontinence management, these systems have both advantages and disadvantages and may not be suitable for every person or every situation.

Advantages:
- small, discreet, and easily concealed under everyday clothing
- far less invasive and generally safer than internal catheters
- cost-effective over long term
- allows for more flexibility than incontinence clamps, which must be released regularly according to a strict schedule. Average wear times vary greatly, generally ranging from 12 to 48 hours.
- keeps wetness away from body, protecting skin and clothing
- can be used in combination with special briefs, diapers, pads, or incontinence pants to provide maximum security and leak protection
- can be of great value to people with limited mobility

Disadvantages:
- can take some time and practice to learn to use efficiently
- may lead to allergic reactions or skin irritation caused by the material used in the sheath or the adhesive
- twisting, kinking, compression or other disturbance of the sheath tip or connecting tube can interfere with urine flow. In some cases this can lead to “backflow”, which loosens the sheath and can lead to leakage.
- not all men find them comfortable

As with all incontinence management tools, there are some important factors to take into consideration. Sheaths come in a variety of sizes, and using the correct size is essential to getting the most from the product. Sizing differs among manufacturers, so be sure to consult the sizing tables for the product you are considering.

Learning to use a sheath system can take some time and may require some initial training. Consult with your physician before using this type of system.

Often customers will ask me “what is the difference between the Texas condom latex catheter and the new Optima Conveen silicone catheter?”  The Texas catheter is the older type of condom catheter which some people have allergies to, due to the latex material. The only advantage to this catheter is that it is a little more flexible than the silicone. An offset to this would be the potential for it to slip off more easily.  The new Optima Conveen from Coloplast is manufactured from silicone, which eliminates any allergic reaction.  It also offers an anti-kink nozzle preventing any blockage. This catheter has a nice discreet package which can be held in your pocket without damaging the catheter.  Lastly it offers a very simple hoop that your finger can hook allowing a pulling motion to apply the catheter to the penis.   This makes getting it on a lot easier especially for those with some manual dexterity issues.

About Colonial Medical Supplies We carry a full line of Urological supplies from many different manufactures. Our primary supplier is Coloplast which offers a variety of urological products for both men and women including external catheters, intermittent catheters, foley catheters, and superpubic catheters. We have available all sizes of the condom or texas catheter in both latex and silicone materials, all french sizes of the intermittent or self caths, insertion trays for the foleys as well as a wide variety of leg and bed bags in different sizes with all types of drain ends. We also carry products from companies such as Bard, Rusch, Rochester medical and others.

Colonial Medical Supplies offers a Service Plus program to our clients. This program was developed to alleviate many of the concerns our customers have when supplies are needed on a regular basis, your monthly supplies are shipped directly to your home or office. We offer free insurance processing, free shipping in discreet packages. Free samples to new customers to help determine which product might best meet overall needs and have guaranteed satisfaction. When you enroll in our Service Plus program our customer service team will prepare your order each month before you run out of supplies and ship them directly to your home or office. We will contact your physician on your behalf to obtain all the information necessary to bill your insurance directly.  Colonial Medical Supplies is a preferred provider for many health insurance plans including, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, United, and more.  We take care of every aspect of your supply order so you don’t have to, leaving time for more important things.