The PureWick™ Male External Catheter: What Is It, How to Use it, And FAQs
About 21% of men 65 and older experience urinary incontinence (unexpected loss of bladder control), a condition caused by various factors, such as prostate issues, nerve damage, and certain prescription medications.
Despite its prevalence, men are significantly less likely than women to discuss urinary incontinence with their loved ones or healthcare providers. As a result, the problem tends to worsen, affecting quality of life and increasing the risk of other problems, like urinary tract infections.
To address these challenges, The BD PureWick Urine Collection System and the PureWick Male External Catheter provide a discreet and convenient solution for managing male urinary incontinence. By reducing the need for incontinence underwear and pads, these products can help both patients and caregivers enjoy restful, uninterrupted nights.
What is the BD Purewick Urine Collection System?
The BD Purewick Urine Collection System is a medical device designed to treat urinary incontinence in men and women. It’s portable and small enough to fit on most nightstands and bed tables.
The system features two parts: The PureWick Urine Collection System –– a device that contains a suction pump and plastic canister that holds up to 2,000 milliliters (mL) of urine. And the PureWick External Male Catheter –– a soft, flexible bag made of non-latex material that slips over the penis and wicks urine away from the skin. The PureWick External Male Catheter is available exclusively at Carewell.com, making it a unique solution you won’t find anywhere else.
The PureWick Male Catheter attaches to the suction pump via plastic tubing and collects urine throughout the day or night. This eliminates the need for frequent diaper changes and trips to the bathroom, reducing the frequency of incontinence care while keeping users and caregivers comfortable.
Price: $399.00
Price: $29.42 - $529.50
Who is a good candidate for the PureWick Male External Catheter?
The PureWick Male External Catheter is recommended for men who have:
Frequent urges to urinate
Urinary incontinence
Skin irritation caused by wearing diapers, underpads, or other incontinence products
Low mobility or an increased risk of falling (e.g. people with balance issues)
Because the PureWick Collection System reduces the number of times someone needs to get out of bed and use the toilet, users are less likely to suffer nighttime falls or accidents.
Who isn’t a good candidate for the PureWick Male External Catheter?
The PureWick Male External Catheter can make your life as a caregiver significantly easier, but it isn’t right for everyone. That’s particularly true if your loved one:
Has urine retention
Has an underlying medical condition that makes them uncooperative, combative, or likely to remove the catheter
Has bowel AND urinary incontinence
Has skin irritation or breakdown on or around their penis and/or testicles
Uses flammable anesthetics
If you’re still unsure whether your care recipient qualifies, contact us. Call (800) 696-2273 or email support@carewell.com. Our friendly Care Team will ask you a series of questions and determine if your loved one is a good candidate.
What are the benefits of the BD PureWick Collection System and Male External Catheter?
The BD PureWick Collection System and Male External Catheter offer various benefits, including:
Better sleep
Fewer night time toilet trips
Reduced risk of falls and other injuries
Clean clothing and bedding
Reduced risk of skin irritation and urinary tract infections
The BD PureWick Collection System simplifies caregiving by drawing urine away from the body and into a plastic canister. Once it’s in place, you can won’t need to change the catheter for 8-12 hours.
Does the PureWick Male External Catheter leak?
The PureWick Male External Catheter can leak, but the risk is minimal if it’s applied correctly. Here’s how to set it up:
1) Slip the PureWick Male External Catheter over the penis until it’s flush with the user’s pelvic skin.
2) Next, center the penis inside the opening and remove the adhesive lining, pressing the catheter against their skin.
3) Make sure the adhesive fully adheres to the base of the penis. The scrotum should not be placed inside the device.
4) Connect the drainage end of the PureWick Male External Catheter to the connection port on the lid of the collection canister.
5) Test the suction on the collection system to ensure it’s working properly.
How do I test the suction of the BD PureWick™ Urine Collection System?
To test the suction of the BD PureWick™ Collection System, remove the catheter tube from the collection canister. Then, place the tube in a glass of water. If the system’s working, it should suction 500 milliliters (mL), or about 2 cups, of water in 20 seconds.
Is the PureWick™ External Male Catheter reusable?
No. The PureWick™ External Male Catheter is a single-use device that lasts 8-12 hours. Be sure to replace the catheter every morning after your loved one wakes up or when the collection canister is full. Change the catheter immediately if it gets soiled with blood or feces.
Can my care recipient wear underwear with the PureWick™ External Male Catheter?
Yes. Many men who use the PureWick™ External Male Catheter also wear mesh underwear. Mesh underwear helps hold the catheter position, preventing leaks and skin irritation.
What if I have additional questions about the PureWick™ External Female Catheter or BD PureWick™ Urine Collection System?
Choosing incontinence products can be stressful, especially if you’ve never done it before. If you’re struggling to determine if the PureWick Male External Catheter is right for your situation, get in touch.
Our friendly Care Specialists speak English and Spanish and are available 24/7. They can answer your questions and make product recommendations based on your loved one’s needs. Call (800) 696-CARE or email support@carewell.com to get started.
Did you find this article helpful? Share it, print it or have it mailed to you!
Other Articles You May Like
How to Care for a Catheter: Step-by-step Guides for Emptying & Cleaning Male & Female Catheters
Introducing a catheter into incontinence management can bring some much-needed respite from diaper changes, trips to the toilet, and laundry. Just like any new skill, practice makes perfect! Follow our step-by-step guides on properly removing, emptying, cleaning, and caring for three different kinds of catheters.
Read More >
The PureWick™ Female External Catheter, What Is It? How to Use it? And FAQ
Many women with urinary incontinence use products like diapers, booster pads, and underpads. These items can make cleanup easier, but they don’t necessarily allow you or your care recipient to get a restful night’s sleep. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to avoid bedding changes, midnight trips to the bathroom, and irritated skin? The BD PureWick™ Urine Collection System provides all of that and more.
Read More >Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.