Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center
Catheters for urinary incontinence in men
Catheters used to manage urinary incontinence include:
-
Standard catheter. This is a thin,
flexible, hollow tube that is inserted through the
urethra into the bladder and allows the urine to drain
out. The standard catheter
is used for
intermittent self-catheterization. -
Indwelling Foley catheter. This type of catheter, which
remains in place continuously, has a balloon on the end that is inflated with
sterile water after the end is inside the bladder. The inflated balloon
prevents the catheter from slipping out.
Urinary tract infections are more likely to occur with
long-term use of an
indwelling catheter than with intermittent self-catheterization. For more
information, see the topic
Care for an Indwelling Urinary Catheter.
-
Condom catheter or Texas catheter. This is a special condom that fits over the penis and is
attached to a tube that collects urine.
Condom catheters are only for short-term use, because long-term use increases
the risk of
urinary tract infections, damage to the penis from
friction with the condom, and urethral blockage.
What To Expect After Treatment
Catheterization may cause some discomfort during the procedure. A condom or Texas catheter does not cause much discomfort, because it is not inserted into the urethra, but indwelling catheters may cause some discomfort while in place.
Why It Is Done
Catheters can be used to treat severe incontinence that cannot be managed with medicines or surgery.
How Well It Works
Catheters do not cure incontinence but rather allow you or a caregiver to manage incontinence.
These devices are effective. But some men find catheters uncomfortable or painful and stop using them.
Risks
Using a catheter increases your risk for:
- Urinary tract infection.
- Damage to the urethra.
- Damage to the skin of the penis.
What To Think About
The use of catheters can be under your control and can be designed to fit into your lifestyle.
Complete the special treatment information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.
Other Works Consulted
Johnson TM II, Ouslander JG (1999). Urinary incontinence in the older man. Medical Clinics of North America, 83(5): 1247–1266.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
ENABLEX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat the following symptoms due to a condition called overactive bladder:
- · having a strong need to go to the bathroom right away (also called "urgency")
- · leaks or wetting accidents (also called "urinary incontinence")
- · having to go to the bathroom too often (also called "urinary frequency")
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
You should not take once-daily ENABLEX if you have certain types of stomach problems, glaucoma, or have trouble emptying your bladder. Side effects of ENBLEX include blurred vision, and more commonly dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Use caution when doing certain activities until you know how ENBALEX affects you.
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center
