Urinary Incontinence Support Group

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary excretion of urine from one's body. It is often temporary, and it almost always results from an underlying medical condition. Stress, functional, and urge incontinence are the most common forms. Share with other support group members and learn from their stories and experiences.

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elpuerco 07/24/2014

I'm trying to move from diapers to male external catheters. I've tried Afex and Covidien condoms. The Afex system works if you are not moving and have slow leakage. Surge episodes forget it on the Afex product doesn't work. Also, even though they offer to create vents, the collection bag fills up with air. Even if there is no urine in the bag it looks like you've got a baguette in your pants. Unpredictable, but I like the system, however I'm not comfortable using outside the home. Too many accidents. The external Coviden condom works most of the time, but I don't trust it when I've a surge moment (condom strap isn't sufficient) or when I'm working out. I'm asking if there is a reliable external catheter system that can handle unpredictable surges.

Diapers seem to be the only way to manage those moments when I can't control the flow.

Any advice appreciated. Hard to find solutions for men. I've asked my primary doctor for help and he is trying to find a therapist, but for guys it's not easy.

In this post I'm looking for external cath solutions that have helped. I'm in limbo. I'm used to diapers, but I'm looking for a combo solution. I don't have nighttime issues.

It really is discouraging that there are so few sites dedicated to male incontinence.

deleted_user 07/26/2014

my suggestion would something a little more permanent ask your doctors about a suprapubic catheter is a foley that instead of being insert in the penis is inserted in the bladder by way of the surpa pubic area I've had it for 2 years and very pleased with it better then diapers any day good luck

ronniewheelz 07/26/2014

Hi I've been using conveen optima for a couple of years and have had no problems, I'm in a wheelchair and they are designed for both able bodied and those with mobility issues. The Coloplast/conveen site has great videos/instructions and even a measurement card you can use to get the right fit. Been using condom catheters for years with few problems if any issues just try a new brand. I have really heavy loss so they might work OK for you

nicolas2 07/27/2014

There are also urinal systems, which need to be fitted by a specialist, and are more expensive upfront. My problem is only bedwetting, so I found them no better than condom systems in getting the hydraulics right for lying down side/back. And if they leaked you had a flood on bed and floor. Unless there is something new out there?

billytex1 09/04/2014

I have very similar issues to yours, and have tried lots of things - only a few worked for strong surges. I had the same issues with Afex that you had, but i'm told they now offer a vented bag that doesn't blow up with air like a balloon in your pants. I've not tried it yet.

The only full time always dependable solution I've used is foley catheters. They freak some people out - but once I got used to them (not long) I trust them completely, and don't even know it's there. I've had only 2 UTI's - both when I first started - and none in 3+ years now. They just work - period.

Some doctors freak out when you ask for a foley and start rattling off all kinds of morbid things that can happen - yea, if one isn't paying attention and taking care of himself, lots of things can happen. Others are more understanding, and will help instead of trying to scare you off.

Just a thought - I know they've been life savers for me.

wetr 09/05/2014

I have worn a condom catheter which has a small expandable rubber receptacle with a twist valve to drain it. It comes in several sizes so you don't have to worry about it slipping off or strangling you. It's called Alphadry and the company is Urodry.com. I am quite happy with it and have been using it for a few years. I even wear it when I go swimming so that I don't have to have a swim diaper. It is not visible under my lined speedo style swimsuit.

OnlyGod1st 10/13/2014

I too have tried many different condom catheters and because I don't leak, I flood, they never work. I personally feel most of them are made for those that just leak/dribble all the time. Out of everything tried, diapers has been the only thing that works for me too.

deleted_user 10/25/2014

The Afex system looks great on paper but after many combinations of bags and receptacles-I have all three- This has turned out to be an expensive failure.
The bags - I have the vented and non-vented- become air filled balloons and there is no room left for urine. To make it worse, the penis can easily slip out of the receptacle and then the underwear and pants are wet.
As I stated before, This looks to be an answer to our prayers but don't waste your money.

STEVP 11/04/2014

I have had the best luck with a reusable condom catheter that is about 8-10 inches. It is intimidating to look at. By being so long, it leaves about 4 inches of area that can collect urine and then drain down a little slower. The extra length also adds a little extra give so it does not pull off. It is held in place with a jock strap looking device, which holds the condom on a lot better.

PM me is you have any questions or links to the product. Several sites sell them.

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