Men use urine collection devices when their normal bladder routines are disrupted. Sometimes the devices are needed on a temporary basis because of surgery or an injury. Long-term use may be needed if the patient has a chronic medical condition, dementia or a disability. Most urine collection devices are designed for men, according to the National Institutes of Health. Those that are suitable for both genders are easier for men to use because their genitals are external to the body and more easily accessed.
Urethral Catheter
Men who cannot empty their bladders because of an injury, surgery or medical condition need a catheter to drain the urine out of the body, notes the American Urological Association Foundation. Catheters are long, flexible tubes made of latex or silicone that are inserted into the bladder through the urethra. Foley catheters are made with a small balloon at the end that is inflated once the catheter has been placed in the urethra, allowing it to stay in place. Some patients with long-term disabilities learn to insert a straight catheter, drain the urine and remove the tubing. This technique, called intermittent catheterization, is done several times a day. Side effects of urethral catheters include urinary tract infections, bladder spasms, injury to the urethra or bladder and obstructions.
Suprapubic Catheter
Suprapubic catheters are appropriate for men who have had prostate surgery or other procedures that require time for healing before normal urination can resume. To insert a suprapubic catheter, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts the catheter directly into the bladder, notes the American Urological Association Foundation. Suprapubic catheters may also be the best choice for patients who will need long-term catheterization because the risk of contamination with fecal matter is lower than with a urethral catheter.
External Catheter
An external catheter, also called a Texas or condom catheter, has a condom-like pouch that is slipped over the penis and held in place with a strap or tape, according to the AUAF. Men who are unable to control their urine flow because of a medical condition, injury or dementia may use these devices instead of a urethral catheter to avoid injury and infection of the urinary tract. Male fighter pilots and other men whose occupations require long periods of time away from bathroom facilities use these devices as well.
Drainage Bag
Patients with catheters that remain in or on the body must also use a drainage bag to collect the urine. Small that are strapped to the leg or abdomen are useful for ambulatory patients who prefer to keep the bags concealed by clothing, according to the AUAF. Larger bags that hold up to 2 liters of urine are appropriate for patients confined to bed or wheelchairs. Those who wear leg bags during the day usually switch to larger bags at night. Bags must be changed and cleaned periodically to prevent urinary tract infections.
Urinal
The simplest urine collection device for men is a specially shaped plastic urinal.These devices are appropriate for patients who are temporarily confined to bed or a wheelchair because of an injury or hospitalization. Some men also use them for travel or to collect urine for laboratory studies. Urinals are not helpful to patients who are unable to start the flow of urine. Female versions of the urinal are available but are uncomfortable, inconvenient and often leak.
