Condom catheters are made of latex rubber, polyvinyl or silicone. They are affixed to the shaft of the penis by adhesive, latex or foam strap devices, and they are connected by a tube to a urine-collecting bag.

Other devices include external urinals, which consist of a collecting pouch attached to an athletic supporter (for example, the McGuire urinal); these devices usually can be connected to a leg bag. External catheters are preferred over indwelling catheters for patients who do not have urinary retention, yet these devices also may lead to urinary tract infection. In addition, external catheters may cause damage to the penis due to friction, ischemia (insufficient blood flow), and obstruction.

To avoid complications, these devices should not be used improperly or for prolonged time periods. External catheters usually are not recommended for frail elderly individuals with mental disabilities or people with sensory nerve loss.

Urine collection devices also are available for women, but more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these products. Some of the reported side effects of these systems are reddening of the skin near the urethra and itching in the pubic region.

Internal Collection Devices
An internal collection device, such as a catheter (a hollow plastic tube), may be recommended for certain individuals to ensure that the bladder is emptied on a regular schedule and does not overfill. Intermittent catheterization -- the periodic insertion of a catheter into the urethra, past the sphincter muscle and into the bladder -- is performed at regular intervals each day (usually every 3 to 6 hours).

These devices are usually used in managing cases of neurogenic and overflow incontinence.

Catheters used for intermittent catheterization range in size. Catheters usually are attached to a drainage tube and/or bag. Since intermittent catheterization completely empties the bladder, wetting accidents can be avoided.