Condom Catheters

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Archives1

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Hello-
Does anybody has experience with condom catheters?
I have severe leakage and no control of my bladder when walking after radical prostatectomy (5 weeks out). I am considering trying a condom catheter instead of diaper 6-7 per day.
Hope to hear about experiences before buying and trying one
Thank you
 
I have tried them, but seeing as I'm more of a "grower" than a "shower" it doesn't stay in place well enough for me to use them. Basically you need to have some girth when you don't have an erection in order for it to stay in place.
 
I was similar after 5 weeks and now after 5 months I can say with confidence that it gets better!
I only go through 1 pad in a day and it’s not that wet… hoping a bit more time and it will stop!!
I remember the frustration after a month but at least the cancer is gone!
 
I was trying a brand called "inview special by Hollister", but had bad experience because the outlet tube kinks easily and then the "condom" fills up with urine, which loosens the adhesive and then it all falls off, typically when you are standing up from sitting and have a gush. When these things let go, then you have a real mess. Today I'm trying a sample of the Coloplast Conveen and it seems much less likely to kink and more likely to stay on. So far, so good. In my limited experience, I'd rather the condom catheter than the diaper, because it's much easier to just drain the leg bag, than have to take off your pants to change a diaper and then dispose of it discretely. As long as they don't fall off, then I'll be set. I'm looking forward to having enough control that I can just wear a pad. I'm about 11 weeks post surgery.
 
@Matthias I have the same situation as you. The cost of pads and depends was becoming too much. I was sick of feeling wet. I found condom catheters accidentally by googling solutions. Clamps, reusable underwear, and every type of disposable ones. My urologist never suggested them. He recommended an implant very soon in the healing process. I contacted comfort medical (+1 (800) 210-5134) and was put in touch with a very helpful specialist that provided several free samples of different widths, lengths and amount of glue. There are additional wraps that can add extra security. My insurance company pays for all with a small fee, including 4 collection bags per month. You have to be patient and determined. I had failures while learning. It took me six months before I felt totally confident going on a three hour drive, or working in the yard all day with just the cc on. You need to change it every 24 hours. I know a lot of men with retracted penis say they don’t like them, but I have a friend in that situation, who complained about being retracted, but stuck with the trial and error process till he found right combination of style and size. He has no issues wearing them 24/7 now. My life has improved 100% since I started using them. I can’t imagine still going thru 6-8 pads per day. Feel free to message me if you have any detailed questions. Good luck! Stay positive!



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Size is important. Mine are sized well and work well provided the hose doesn’t get kinked. They are a bit more of a hassle for me so I resort to diapers most of the time
 
I have used the Coloplast External Catheter for a good while. In the UK the company sent out samples of different circumferences and there two different lengths. They also sent a measuring wheel and there are six circumferences. With the proper size I have found them comfortable. You are more aware of the leg bag you attach it to and feels a bit like wearing a bandage. I detest pads, even when there is only slight leakage and almost prefer the external catheter. I have never had one slip off either, in fact, they can be hard to remove because the adhesive grips well and I always use an adhesive remover (aerosol) to get the catheter off.
 
I think the best condom catheter for what you need , are from a brand called Men’liberty manufactured by Bioderm.
I have tried all kind and they don’t t work well.
They come off easily and are unreliable.
These are covered by Medicare too.
You need a prescription.
These one stick very well.
Check it out.
 
I also wear a condom catheter sheath every day. I have never had a leak or a problem etc. Compared to what I had to use previously to the sheath management this has proved to be a perfect solution. Using the sheath has changed my life and my pride and how I present myself in public. It has been a life saver for me.It has been positively accepted by my partner...wearing nappies and diapers previously were causing major challenges between us. The secret to success of the sheath management is to get the correct size condom in the first place. All the companies supply a measuring gauge but more importantly they supply adequate samples to try to achieve the correct fit. I use a Conveen Optima sheath 22040 with a small 125 mls cloth covered "sports active" urine bag that fits into my trouser or shorts pocket (https://products.coloplast.us/coloplast/continence-care/conveen/conveen-active-leg-bag/)I have never needed to fit the bag on my leg. The bag in my pocket is 100% discrete and only needs emptying probably 3 to 4 times during the day. I had my pockets slightly lengthened in order to get a slight fall from the sheath into the pocket. I thought if I'm going to get this right and use this method for any length of time this was all worth it. It takes me less than 2 mins in a morning to fit and 2 mins to take off when finished. I didn't think i needed any IC management whilst sleeping. But I did try it one night and I found it quite easy and comfortable. I use the same sheath with a Urocare latex 1 litre leg bag (supposedly reusable for up to 12 months with daily cleaning) held securely to my upper thigh with a cloth type holder. It took me a couple of weeks to get my sleeping positions but now it is all second nature and simple. I don't now consider I have an incontinence problem I just have incontinence. See my previous comments for more info and photos
 
Love this Catheter idea. Never heard about it before! It would’ve very helpful for when I am driving south as I need to stop often since my RP!
I’m going to have to check that out!
Thanks for the info.
 
My problem with the ones I have tried was the fact that they were so sticky to stay on, my pub hair would catch in it and very painful to take off. If I tried them again I’d try ones that were a different method than extreme stickiness
 
Important that you trim the hairs . Not quite sure what you mean “too sticky to stay on” I tried a few different manufacturers of condom catheter's prior to selecting the Conveen. It’s so easy to roll on and fit In fact I have been surprised at how easy it is . Taking it off feels a bit like taking an Elastoplast off but there is a spray that loosens it and after a while you don’t feel it . I did get a small reaction on the skin of my penis early In the use but as time has passed the skin has certainly got used to the condom material . It’s worth spending time getting this right it will change your life around IC if and when you nail it
 
I’ve had some luck with the CC, but, I’ve found, if I keep them on longer than 12 hours, I get skin irritation, it’s painful, then I’m back to the pads for a couple of days.. Aquafore helps clear up the irritation , but doesn’t prevent the irritation.
Any one dealt with this?
 
@Mwm1020 it may be that you are allergic to The material. Offer latex based and silicone based It might be worth having a skin doctor look at it it may also be related to how far up your pubic hair grows
 
I agree with most of what has been said here. I'm a big fan of external (condom) catheters and still use them occasionally. I like the Hollister brand. Condoms come in 4 sizes (1 for a child and 3 for adults). Easy to get samples in all adult sizes and detrmine best fit. Light use of adhesive so the stay in place but not hard/painful to remove. Never had a leakage issue. I used the Medium (540 ml) leg bag which has sufficient capacity but not overly big or uncomfortable. Cut the tube to the correct length depending on where you wear it on your leg. You need to have sufficient length/girth for the condoms to fit and work effectively so that may be the one drawback.
 
@Matthias There is another "Condom Catheter" post by Dan77. Check it out... It has a lot of great info in it. Including a long reply from me. I would also consider sending a private message to one of the guys that post here saying they currently use Condom Catheters or (CC). I am sure they would be more than willing to share with you privately, how they found a way to make CC's work.

It can be a very frustrating process to find what works best for you. At least it was for me!!! Yes I am now a daily and nightly CC user. It took a while, but once I figure it out, using CC's has given me back my freedom. I very seldom if ever need to use diapers now. Most of my problems stem from postponing the TURP until my bladder was damaged. I think there may have also been damage done during the TURP because of the extent of the blockage.

With my Dr's help I am able to get all my supply costs covered by insurance. Some CC's like the Men's Liberty can be expensive. I have 2 different CC's that I use. 1 that works better for when I am sitting and inactive like driving and 1 for when I am active like working outside. Both seem to work equally well at night.

Good Luck Redcat

@Klew11 & @Mwm1020 I agree, because I found that silicone works better for me. It might be the adhesive. There are also several different choices of adhesives. One even containing Aloe. R
 
Just realized I noted the incorrect bag size I use a 250 ML’s cloth covered conveen active bag not 125 ML’s Regards the irritation I did experience it too . I changed from the Hollister CC to the Conveen Optima . The Conveen Definitely suits me better and much easier to roll on with the little built in draw on tabs . I wasn’t sure if the minor irritation was caused by the fuller bag pulling it whilst wearing. Any how I swear by these things and would consider going back to my previous management
 
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