Catheters are products which are used in order to drain urine away from the bladder. Though internal catheters are painless when used in the correct manner, just the very idea of them makes many men extremely uncomfortable and so the idea of an external catheter is one which provides a great deal of relief.

An external catheter is a catheter which both resembles and operates in much the same way as a condom, hence why it is referred to as an “external” catheter rather than the traditional kind. Few men object to wearing a condom, and so using an external catheter tends to make them cope with the idea of urinary incontinence, prostrate recovery and various different kinds of health issues for which an external catheter may be required, a lot easier.

External catheters connect to a drainage bag which is tied onto the leg. Just like a condom, an external catheter is only intended to be used just once, although an external catheter can be worn for up to twenty four hours. The external catheter should then be replaced. The drainage bag can either be washed for reuse or also simply replaced, as it is very inexpensive to do so.

External catheters differ from condoms in that rather being lubricated and slippery, catheters instead have adhesives which are actually built into the walls of the sheath. This is important, as the external catheter must be connected to the penis very firmly in order to for drainage to be able to take place. The basic design has since been improved on by many different companies, resulting in tough adhesive which can be used without any physical discomfort on the part of the wearer. It is very important however to ensure that you shop for an advanced and quality external catheter, as on no account should the catheter allow urine to accumulate around the head of the penis, or cause it to travel up the shaft. Today there are products which are made for short or even retracted penis shapes.

It is generally best to shop for external catheters which do not use latex, as this prevents the chances of developing irritations around the skin. Such catheters are generally clear in order for men to be able to check the skin without having to remove the drainage system.

The accuracy, convenience and less distressing imagery make external catheters an extremely popular choice with men.