CIA Medical is a leading provider of medical and surgical supplies. We serve over 25,000 healthcare facilities worldwide. See our list of external catheters and prices below. Order online, call us at (312) 275-5850, or get a 2-hour quote by filling the form on this page.
If you’re unable to locate a specific item on our website, please contact us at: [email protected] or (312) 275-5850 and our sales and customer service team will promptly help you find it at the best price.
No matter the item's brand, type, or size, we can get it — even if backordered.
What Is an External Catheter?
External catheters are catheters that are exclusively used externally, without any invasive or penetrative insertion into the body. They include condom catheters, which are used for male patients, as well as female external catheters for women.
Like other catheters, external catheters consist of a tube that allows urine to pass freely out of the body, and they're usually connected to a catheter bag at one end, which can be filled up and emptied out as needed.
The main difference is that they don't have a narrow tip or needle at the other end for insertion into the urethra or body. Instead, they are placed on the outside of the body, either around the penis in male patients or between the labia in females.
These types of catheters are often favored by many patients as they are far less likely to cause pain, discomfort, or distress while being used. However, they can only be used in certain situations.
Coloplast #5100, Catheter External Freedom Slfadh Sil 23mm LF 100/Bx
Covidien #8884732000, Dover Male External Catheter, Medium One Piece Sheath Design with 2-Sided Adhesive Strap, 1.1" (2.8 cm), 144/CS
Hollister #9109, Everyday Latex Male External Catheter, Tan, 36-39 mm, 30/BX
Coloplast #C6330, Freedom Clear Advantage standard length male external catheter, EACH
How Does an External Catheter Work?
The main function of external catheters is just like internal urinary catheters; they're designed to allow urine to pass from the body into a receptacle and allow patients to pass urine from hospital beds, wheelchairs, or other locations without having to use a toilet in a traditional way. The major difference with external catheters is that they're attached on the outside, so the patient effectively urinates as normal, and the catheter is simply responsible for collecting and transporting the urine to a collection bag.
External Catheter Sizes
External catheters are available in various sizes to suit different users. Condom catheters for men, for example, can have differently sized heads in order to be comfortably positioned around penises of different sizes. Female external catheters can also have different sizes for patients of varying ages.
External Catheter Types
There are two main types of external catheters: one for men and one for women. External male catheters are usually called condom catheters. They are placed over the top of the penis like a condom and held in position, allowing urine to pass from the penis, into the collection area and through the tube. External catheters for women feature a long, thin cylinder with a layer of absorbent material on top. They are positioned between the labia, right by the urethra, and absorb urine as it is passed.
External Catheter Uses
It's important to note that external catheters can only be used in certain situations. They are most commonly used in cases where people have urinary incontinence or an inability to control their urination. They may also be used for people with restricted mobility or others who are able to urinate unassisted but may find it difficult to use conventional toilets.
External Catheter Suppliers
Some of the top suppliers of external catheters include Coloplast, Hollister, Covidien, Medline, and Mentor.
Buy External Catheters at CIA Medical
If you’re looking for external catheters at competitive wholesale prices, CIA Medical is the place to be. We offer a huge range of medical supplies, devices, and pieces of equipment, including external catheters from leading brands, and we always strive to offer the fairest prices and finest levels of service to our customers.
