Incontinence Management Options

External Catheters

Supporting Items

Indwelling Catheters

Clamps

 

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Clamps

Description

Clamps operate by squeezing of the urethra to prevent urine from passing. From time to time one releases the clamp to urinate.

Not all clamps are the same. Clamps sometimes got a bum rap due to fact that some of them not only squeeze the urethra to prevent leakage, but it also squeezes off the blood supply. This can be painful, uncomfortable, and cause infection. A newer Clamp called the “Dribblestop” is designed to allow the blood to continue to flow.

A clamp may be worn 24/7 although some men only require it during waking or sleeping hours. Some men prefer to not wear the clamp all the time. For sleeping times, it is recommended to wear the clamp one notch looser.

A clamp may be used for any type of incontinence for the prevention of urine leakage from a dribble to a heavy flow. It takes very little pressure to stop the flow of urine. If the clamp is adjusted properly, the fit will be comfortable and one should not be aware that it is on. If there is any pain the clamp is on to tight.

When wearing a clamp, if one sneezes or laughs to hard there can be a small amount of urine passed. Therefore it is imperative that one wears a small absorbent pad while wearing a clamp to protect against this.

There is a learning time to find out what works best for you. You need to experiment and be patient until you have your personalized system working.

Main Features & Drawbacks

Features

  • Do not have to wear absorbents (diapers)
  • No leg bag
  • No skin breakdown

Drawbacks

  • Clamp may become painful – depends on situation


Cost

Estimated Annual Cost Cost Cost After Insurance
Lower Cost Level but not Lowest $ 400/yr     $ 208/yr
** Assumes Medicare plus Supplemental pays for 4 per year    

 

More Information

Situations when the Clamp works well

  • Good when there is little to moderate penis retraction
  • When you have overflow or stress incontinence
  • As a partial solution – can only be worn about one half the time
  • When you are out in public part of the time and it is difficult to change absorbents – good for active men
  • When you are on a restricted budget
  • Provide skin air time when there is diaper rash
  • Dislikes adhesives of a external catheter
  • Dislikes leg bag of a external catheter
  • When allergic to latex of the one-piece external catheter

Situations when the Clamp does not work well

  • When it is uncomfortable or painful to wear
  • When having a bacterial infections

Features of the Dribblestop Clamp sold by UroDry:

  • Comfortable  – The Dribblestop external clamp gently applies pressure to the top of the penis, as well as the urethra on the underside. This gentle pressure is sufficient to prevent urine flow.
  • Allows Blood Circulation – The Dribblestop clamp does not apply pressure on the sides of the penis allowing for blood circulation. Since blood circulation is unrestricted, the clamp provides a comfortable fit while effectively stopping bladder leakage.
  • Custom Fit – The Dribblestop clamp is fully adjustable. Each clamp comes with different sized links resulting in three different size options.
  • Easy to Clean – Closed cell foam does not absorb liquid but it can be easily hand washed with warm water and soap.
  • Reason for Alternating Two Clamps – Each Dribblestop kit comes with two clamps. Since foam has a memory, it is best to alternate the two clamps so that the foam has a chance to regain its original shape.

Cost

The reusable Clamp is an inexpensive system in that it can be used over and over again. However, you have to supplement it with a higher cost absorbent pad for your few dribbles and for the other one half the time you can not wear it. Medicare and other insurances do provide a partial reimbursement for the Clamp but not the disposable absorbents pads, briefs and/or reusable absorbents.

Examples of Combinations of Dryness Management

Example 1 – Day or Public Strategy –Use your clamp during the day with an absorbent pad. You will find it convenient to use. From time to time go to the restroom and release the clamp for drainage, tighten back up, and you are good to go.

Example 2 – Night or Home Strategy – When you are at home and or sleeping, remove the clamp and use a disposable or reusable absorbent. This gives your penis a rest.

Example 3 – Public vs. Private Times – Consider using the clamp when you know you are going to be and about in public for its convenience Then in private use disposable and/or reusable absorbents. This strategy will also be easier on your pocket book.

Example 4 – Air Time from External Catheters – You need to give your penis some air time each day from wearing an external catheter. During this time wear a clamp for a while.