If you're shopping for an external catheter for men, you want a sheath that stays on, doesn't leak and leaves the skin comfortable. Most problems with a condom catheter come back to fit. The short answer: choose by the diameter in millimetres (measured with the maker's own guide), then the length (short or standard), then the material and adhesive. This guide explains each choice in plain language, compares the brands we stock and shows how the sheath, leg bag and night bag work together.
What is an external catheter for men, and who is it for?
An external catheter, often called a condom catheter or urisheath, is a soft sheath that rolls onto the penis like a condom. An outlet at the tip connects to a drainage bag, so urine flows away from the skin instead of into a pad. Nothing goes inside the body.
The purpose of a condom catheter is to manage urinary incontinence in men who can still empty their bladder on their own. It collects urine; it doesn't drain the bladder. If the bladder doesn't empty well (urinary retention), your doctor or nurse may recommend a different type of catheter. For light leaks, a guard or pull-up may be simpler, and our guide to incontinence products for men compares those options.
Condom catheter sizes: how millimetre sizing works
Condom catheter sizes are the sheath's diameter in millimetres, from about 21 to 41 mm. Brands also use names such as Small, Medium, Intermediate, Large and XL, but those names don't match across brands, so go by the number.
- Measure with the brand's own guide. Most are a card with cut-outs. Hollister says to place its guide at the widest part of the shaft, not the head. Coloplast says to measure mid-shaft or at the widest point. Guides are usually free from the maker (Hollister's can be printed from its website) or from your nurse or NSWOC (a nurse specialized in wound, ostomy and continence care).
- Don't copy a size from another brand. Coloplast cautions that guessing, or reusing the size from a brand you wore before, can lead to discomfort or leaks, and it recommends having the fit checked within 24–48 hours of a first fitting.
- Between two sizes? Check that brand's rule. Coloplast's Conveen Optima guide says to pick the smaller size. Hollister's InView care tips say to pick the larger size and gently crimp the extra silicone so urine can't run underneath.
Opened urology products can't be returned, so it pays to get the size right the first time. Not sure? Ask us before you order and we'll help you match your measurement to the brand you're considering.
Conveen Optima silicone sheaths, short or standard length (box of 30)
Short vs standard length
Length matters as much as width. A sheath that's too long can wrinkle and trap urine; one that's too short may not have enough grip.
- Standard length is about 80 mm on Conveen Optima and on InView Standard and Extra. Coloplast describes it as giving a greater feeling of security.
- Short length is 50 mm on Conveen Optima Short and about 40 mm on InView Special. Both brands point to the short style for a retracted or shorter penis, and Hollister notes some men simply find it more comfortable.
Silicone or latex, adhesive or strap?
- Silicone, self-adhering (Conveen Optima, InView, UltraFlex, Wide Band, Spirit): the adhesive is built into the sheath. Silicone is clear, so you can see the skin, and it breathes. Spirit pairs silicone with a hydrocolloid adhesive.
- More adhesive: if sheaths tend to slip off, InView Extra and Wide Band have a larger adhesive band.
- Texas style with a strap (Uro-Con): a thin latex sheath held by a separate foam strip instead of built-in adhesive. Wrap the strip snugly but never tight. Some Uro-Con boxes come without the foam strip, so check the listing and, if needed, order Urofoam strips separately. Never wrap ordinary tape around the penis. Uro-Cath Molded is also latex, so skip both if you or your caregiver has a latex allergy.
Condom catheter vs Foley vs intermittent: the plain differences
Many families look this up after a hospital stay that ended with a Foley. Which type is right is a decision for your doctor, nurse or NSWOC.
| Type | Where it sits | What it does | Suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| External (condom) | Outside, over the penis | Collects urine; new sheath every 24 h | Incontinence, normal emptying |
| Indwelling (Foley) | In the bladder, held by a balloon | Drains all the time; changed on a set schedule | Retention or other clinical needs |
| Intermittent | Passed in, then removed | Empties the bladder a few times a day | Retention, often self-managed |
According to Cleveland Clinic, condom catheters cause fewer catheter-associated urinary tract infections than Foley catheters and tend to be more comfortable. If intermittent catheters are on the table, see our Intermittent Catheters 101 guide.
How to apply a condom catheter
Most men manage an external catheter at home once a nurse has shown them the steps. Always follow the instructions for use in the box. In brief, Coloplast and Hollister describe these steps for their self-adhering sheaths:
- Trim pubic hair near the base with scissors if needed. Coloplast advises against shaving, since regrowth can irritate.
- Wash with mild soap and warm water and dry thoroughly. Skip creams, lotions and powders, which stop the adhesive from sticking.
- Place the rolled sheath over the tip, leaving a small gap (Coloplast says 1–2 cm) before the outlet so urine flows freely. If uncircumcised, leave the foreskin in its natural position.
- Unroll slowly and smoothly to full length, then gently squeeze around the shaft to seal it. Avoid leaving a tight rolled ring at the base, and don't try to reposition it once it's stuck. Coloplast notes a sheath that's too tight can press on the urethra and slow the flow, while one that wrinkles badly may be too big; either way, ask your nurse to recheck the size.
- Connect the drainage bag and keep the tubing straight and kink-free.
To remove, disconnect the bag and roll the sheath forward and off. A warm, wet washcloth held over it for about 30 seconds helps loosen the adhesive. Sheaths are single use: put on a new one at least every 24 hours.
Day and night: pairing with a leg bag and night bag
Coloplast suggests a smaller bag by day and a larger bag with a longer tube at night, so you don't need to get up to empty it. By day, a leg bag straps to the calf or thigh under clothing. At night, a larger night bag hangs from the bed frame, below bladder level. Many people link the night bag to the leg bag's drain tap at bedtime; others connect the night bag straight to the sheath. Your nurse can show you which method suits you. Empty the leg bag before it fills; Coloplast suggests at about two-thirds full.
Leg bags with anti-reflux valves (500–739 mL)
How to choose: the external catheter brands we carry
Once you know your size, length and material, match them to a product line:
| Line | Material and hold | Styles | Sizes (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coloplast Conveen Optima | Silicone, adhesive | Short or standard | 21, 25, 28, 30, 35, 40 |
| Hollister InView | Silicone, adhesive | Standard, Extra (wider band), Special (short) | 25, 29, 32, 36, 41 |
| Rochester UltraFlex and Wide Band | Silicone, adhesive | Wide Band: wider band | 25, 29, 32, 36, 41 (both lines) |
| Bard Spirit | Silicone, hydrocolloid adhesive | Style 2 | 25 |
| Urocare Uro-Con | Latex, foam strip (some boxes without) | Texas style | 30, 35 |
A quick way to narrow it down: for a retracted penis, start with Conveen Optima Short or InView Special. If sheaths keep coming loose, look at InView Extra or Wide Band. With a latex allergy, stay with the silicone lines and confirm on the box.
Hollister InView silicone sheaths, Standard and Extra styles
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Skin care and when to call your nurse or doctor
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Check the skin every time you change the sheath. Hollister advises against applying a sheath to irritated or broken skin, and says to remove it if you notice swelling, numbness, pain or discolouration. Coloplast suggests letting the skin breathe for a short while between changes.
Contact your nurse, NSWOC, doctor or pharmacist if redness or a rash doesn't settle; if swelling, numbness, discolouration or broken skin doesn't settle promptly once the sheath is off; or if you have pain when passing urine, fever or blood in the urine.
External catheter FAQ
Can you wear a condom catheter at night?
Yes. Many men wear one overnight connected to a larger night drainage bag that hangs below the bed. Check that the tubing isn't trapped or kinked under you, and keep to a fresh sheath at least every 24 hours.
Are condom catheters a good option for elderly men?
They can be, especially for men who find pads uncomfortable. Older skin is more fragile, so daily skin checks matter, and a caregiver may need to help apply the sheath. If memory problems mean someone may pull at it, talk with the care team first.
What should a condom catheter kit include?
Most people build their own: a box of sheaths in the right size, a leg bag with straps or a holder, a night bag, and extras such as adhesive remover wipes if needed. A box of 30 sheaths is roughly a month's supply at one a day.
Where can I buy an external catheter near me in Canada?
Local pharmacies may carry a few sizes, but the full size range is easier to find online. We stock Conveen Optima, InView, UltraFlex, Wide Band, Spirit and Uro-Con. Orders are processed in 1–2 business days and typically arrive in 2–7 business days across Canada, in plain, unmarked boxes with tracking by email. See shipping and returns for details.
The bottom line
An external catheter for men works best when it fits. Measure with the brand's own guide, choose short or standard length, and pick silicone if latex is a concern. Change the sheath daily, check the skin each time, and lean on your nurse for anything clinical. Once you know your size, a box can come straight to your door in a plain package.
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