Applying a condom with skin adhesive
Meticulous hygiene is essential for those who wear condom catheters to prevent bladder and fungal infections. Constant observation of skin condition is also crucial in recognizing skin problems before they become severe.
We recommend using Sauer Protective Cloths which prevent the pubic hair from sticking to the adhesive.
An erection is not absolutely necessary for adhesion, but if one can be manipulated, we recommend that you adhere the condom to an erect penis as this gives a flatter surface for adhesion and prevents the condom pinching.
First unroll the condom 4–6 cm (buffer zone), then apply to the penis and unroll – hold as in the diagram. If an erection is not possible stretch the penis slightly by pulling.
With the other hand apply the adhesive in a ring in the middle of the penis shaft, so that one can vary the adhering area if any skin defects are present. Apply as little adhesive as possible but make sure that there is enough. Too much adhesive builds up a film which will prevent firm contact. This can cause the condom to slip or stick together.
Spread the adhesive well with the side of the nozzle of the tube (or brush if using a bottle adhesive) or with your finger (don’t glue your fingers!) – a band of adhesive 2–3 cm wide is enough. Important: There must be a uniform ring of glue all around
the penis. Do not allow the glue to dry. The heptan evaporates when spread, thus stopping bubbles forming underneath the urinary sheath.
While the right hand unrolls the condom over the adhesive, the left hand should stretch the penis slightly. The condom should be pressed on tightly. Longitudinal folds and bubbles should be stroked away (lateral folds are less dangerous). Inspect the area after 1 minute again, and if necessary, press again.
If necessary, to avoid pressure marks or if the penis retracts during micturition(emptying the bladder), the remaining rubber ring behind the adhering area can be removed by cutting into the ring or by tearing. The cut should be made around the condom to prevent tearing. When cutting or tearing, hold the condom on the adhering area.
If a sheath is not secure for a 24 hour period the likelyhood is that:
- you need a stronger adhesive
- the sheath is too large
- there is a problem with penile retraction
- a combination of the above
Re-adhering an urinary condom
If on inspection you find that the condom has not adhered in one area, slide the clean nozzle of the adhesive tube under the condom and squeeze a small amount of adhesive onto the area.
Adhesion in spite of abrasions
With a little practice, you can adhere a condom over small wounds. It is important to cover
these small sores with a protective dressing such as a hydro-colloid dressing that does not interfere
with the action of the adhesive. It is always advisable to consult your doctor before using any new product - particularly if you are unsure what caused a skin abrasion or sore.
Removing adhesive remains
As a rule, latex adhesive comes away from the skin if you remove the condom carefully by rolling it off. On no account should you remove adhesive remains with solvents, acetone or similar substances because this will disrupt the natural oil balance of the skin and may cause chapping and cracking, which leads to inflammation.
Either wash adhesive remains or rub it off with your fingers. If a thin grey film remains, don’t worry, glue on top of it and it will come off by itself.
Avoid bringing skin adhesive into contact with clothing because it is very difficult to remove. If the adhesive does come into contact with clothing, use nail varnish or solvent based cleaning agent on the clothing. Always check the clothing manufacturers label first.
