What's a Condom Catheter?

Written by Kendall K. Morgan
Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on May 30, 2025
8 min read

A condom catheter is a pee collection device worn on your penis like a condom. It has a tube connected to a collection bag that's strapped to your leg. It collects your pee when you have trouble holding it, or you aren't mobile enough to walk to the bathroom.

Unlike other catheters, it's not placed into your urethra (a natural tube inside your penis). Condom catheters are also called external urinary catheters or penile sheath catheters. 

To put on a condom catheter, roll it over your penis. It may come with a gentle adhesive that helps it stay attached to your body all day. You can change it at home.

Condom catheter vs. indwelling catheter

A condom catheter is a less invasive alternative to a urethral or indwelling catheter, which requires a doctor to place it inside your urethra, at the tip of your penis. The best option for you depends on the reason you need a catheter. Talk to your doctor about your preferences and needs.

"A condom catheter works well for urge incontinence, for bladder overactivity, and it works really well for stress incontinence," says Gregory Amend, MD, a urologist at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. 

"I see a lot of individuals with a condom catheter, but that's not really an appropriate option for their incontinence. They really need an indwelling catheter," he says.

An indwelling catheter can help drain pee from your bladder, while a condom catheter catches your pee when you've lost control of your bladder. Condom catheters may be more comfortable than wearing a diaper. They also have fewer risks than indwelling catheters.

If you decide to use a condom catheter, you have some choices. For example, you can choose catheters made of different materials. Some come with an adhesive, while others don't. Your choices may also depend on your anatomy.

What's a self-adhesive condom catheter?

Some condom catheters come with an adhesive to keep them in place. Others are attached to your skin with glue, tape, or other adhesives. They also might have a strap that wraps around the penis or a ring you inflate with air for added support. It's a good idea to clip the surrounding hair to help with attachment.

Latex vs. silicone condom catheters

Some condom catheters have a latex sheath. Others are made of silicone. You can get either type with or without adhesives.

Condom catheter sizes

You can get most types of condom catheters in different sizes. Some come in a one-size-fits-all design, but they don't fully cover your penis. Ask your doctor if you aren't sure what size catheter you need or if you're having trouble with the fit. When condom catheters aren't the right size, you may have trouble with leaks.

Are there female condom catheters?

Yes. They're called external catheters. They may be held in place with special underwear or suction. They won't stay put if you're moving around a lot. You're more likely to use this type of catheter when you have female anatomy and you're bed-bound or otherwise inactive.

Common reasons a doctor may suggest a condom catheter include:

‌Urinary incontinence. If you can't control when you pee, a condom catheter can help you stay clean and dry as you do your daily tasks. But it won't work if you have urinary retention.

‌Overactive bladder. If you often have an uncontrollable urge to pee but can't get to the bathroom, a condom catheter can help you avoid accidents.

‌Limited mobility. If you're unable to walk to a bathroom without help, a condom catheter can help you remain comfortable.

‌Dementia. If dementia keeps you from noticing when you need to pee, a condom catheter can help.

External catheters may be useful in other situations, including:

  • When you have delirium tremens
  • If you're taking medicines that make you pee a lot
  • After surgery
  • If you're being monitored to see if you're retaining pee

A condom catheter is less likely than a urethral catheter to cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other complications. ‌And if you or your doctor has concerns about bladder stones or bladder spasms, you might choose a condom catheter. They can be helpful for short-term or long-term use.

"I see a lot of patients with incontinence after prostatectomy and while they're still recovering, or whatnot, if they're very bothered by having wet diapers and those sorts of things, oftentimes they can use a condom catheter," Amend says. "Really, the advantage versus diaper changes is that they're not in a situation where they're just constantly wet."

Condom catheters can be good long-term options when you have frequent incontinence from neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) dysfunction, when bladder muscles contract too much, according to Mikel Gray, family nurse practitioner at the University of Virginia Health Urology Clinic.

"Most will have a spinal disorder causing neurogenic OAB and urgency incontinence or incontinence without sensory awareness," Gray says. "They are occasionally used for older gentlemen with OAB dysfunction and frequent episodes of urgency incontinence or involuntary voids. They're used in selected patients because many older men with cognitive dysfunction remove them when they become aware of their presence."

There aren't many studies showing how well condom catheters work in different situations. So, there aren't clear guidelines about when to use them. Condom catheters aren't always the right solution. They can only help manage your pee if you can empty your bladder on your own. They can't help you empty your bladder like an indwelling catheter can.

Your doctor may suggest a urethral catheter instead of a condom catheter if you have urine retention or a neuropathic bladder condition. If you can't release your pee without help, a urethral catheter bypasses the muscles you can't control and allows your bladder to drain. If your urinary tract is narrow or blocked, a urethral catheter might get past those blockages and help you pee.

Condom catheters also may not work well if you have a large belly or can't find the one that fits right. You might find it hard to put on or keep in place. Let your doctor or nurse know if you're having trouble.

"Sometimes, there are issues with how it seals, so there could be leakage around it," Amend says. "I will say it's a good solution for some. When it works well, it really does work well, but there can be a lot of issues with it, too, in terms of leakage or improper fitting."

Your doctor will probably suggest a condom catheter provider to you. The provider will offer a kit that includes everything you need to wear the catheter, including:

  • ‌The condoms
  • ‌A collection bag
  • ‌Drainage tubes and connectors
  • ‌Adjustable straps to connect the catheter to your leg
  • ‌A sheath or adhesive to keep the condoms in place

Make sure you get a catheter that fits. One that's too small can hurt your penis, while one that's too large can fall off or leak. 

How to apply a condom catheter

Once you have a kit, you can put on the catheter at home. 

  • First, remove the previous condom if you're wearing one. Always roll it off, never pull, so you don't hurt your skin. 
  • ‌Wash your hands with soap and water, and then wash and rinse your penis. If necessary, wash gently under your foreskin as well.
  • ‌Allow your penis to completely dry and inspect it for any sores or irritation. If you notice irritation, you may be using a condom that's too tight.
  • ‌Apply any sealant you are using to your penis, and allow it to dry.
  • ‌Slowly roll the condom onto your penis, leaving some room at the tip. 
  • ‌Allow any adhesive to dry by holding the condom in place for 10-20 seconds.
  • ‌Wrap the sheath around the base of the condom loosely enough to let blood flow.
  • ‌Connect the collection bag tube to the condom, and then strap the collection bag to your leg below the knee. Take a few steps and move around to make sure everything is comfortable.
  • ‌Change your condom catheter at least once a day and drain your collection bag every few hours as it reaches halfway full.

How to remove a condom catheter

Carefully roll the condom catheter off. It's best to replace it every day or two at most. 

Check to see if there's any damage to your skin after you remove it. Generally, a condom catheter shouldn't damage your skin or cause irritation if used correctly. If you notice any damage or you have itching or discomfort, let your doctor or caregiver know. It's a good idea to take breaks sometimes.

Condom catheters are good options when you have a penis and you're experiencing incontinence or an overactive bladder. They can also help when you can't get to the bathroom for other reasons and don't want to wear a diaper. They won't help if you have urinary retention and need an indwelling catheter. Compared to indwelling catheters, they're less likely to cause a UTI. It's important to make sure your condom catheter fits well and it's changed often.

How often should a condom catheter be changed?

Every day or two is best. But it can be worn for up to 72 hours. Check with your doctor if you aren't sure how often you need to change your catheter.

How long do you need a condom catheter?

You might need it all the time, or only sometimes, depending on your needs. If you need it long-term, it's a good idea to take breaks from wearing it to let your skin dry fully.

How painful is a catheter for a male?

Regardless of the type of catheter you use, it shouldn't be painful. If you're having discomfort, check with your doctor.

What are the side effects of a condom catheter?

A condom catheter is less likely than an indwelling catheter to cause a UTI. If you have one that fits right, it shouldn't damage your skin. If you have any discomfort or itching, check with your doctor.

What's the alternative to a condom catheter?

Other types of catheters are inserted into your urethra to help drain your bladder. They're called urethral or indwelling catheters. The best type of catheter for you depends on your needs. A diaper is also an option if you have incontinence or can't get to the bathroom and don't want to use a catheter.

What are the advantages of a condom catheter?

It may be a good choice if you have incontinence and want to stay dry, especially if you have one that fits well. It doesn't have serious side effects or risks.