Most people who don’t know much about catheters would assume that there is only one kind, but this is actually not true. There are indwelling catheters, which are the kind that float around in your bladder for a long time, and there are intermittent catheters, which are inserted into the bladder when it needs emptied. There is also something called a Texas catheter, which is also known as a condom catheter or an external catheter. These catheters have many uses, but they are mainly used when patients are having trouble with severe incontinence.
Basically, a Texas catheter attaches like a condom, so it can obviously only be used for men. Instead of actually emptying the bladder as it fills, this type of catheter lets the bladder empty as it would naturally, but it then filters the urine into a catheter bag. Men who are severely incontinent or who have prostate problems can use a Texas catheter when they won’t be able to get to a restroom easily, and some people even use these catheters when they’ll be somewhere without a nearby restroom for a while, such as a crowded outdoor party or a parasailing tour.
If you are incontinent, you may want to ask your doctor about the possibility of using a condom catheter sometimes. You may also be able to have surgery or take medication to control your incontinence, but it can be a good idea to talk about using a catheter in the meantime while you’re waiting to get things under control.
The great part about using this type of catheter is that it’s simple and painless, although leaving it on too long can result in urinary tract infections and even damage to the penis from all the friction. Again, talk to your doctor about the risks of using a Texas catheter before you start using one.