Catheters For Urinary Incontinence In Men

Treatment Overview

Types of catheters include:

• Straight catheter. This is a thin, flexible, hollow tube that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. It allows the urine to drain out. A straight catheter is used for intermittent self-catheterization.
• Indwelling urinary catheter. This type of catheter remains in place all the time until it's taken out. It has a balloon on the end that is inflated with sterile water after the end is inside the bladder. The inflated balloon prevents the indwelling catheter from slipping out.
• Condom catheter. This is a special condom that fits over the penis and is attached to a tube that collects urine. With a condom catheter, you don't need to insert anything into your body. This catheter can be changed at home. But it can be hard to put on and needs to be checked often. And skin can get irritated from contact with urine.