Yes, there is a PureWick designed for males. BD, the company behind the original PureWick system, manufactures the PureWick Male External Catheter (MEC), designed specifically for male anatomy. It works similarly to the female version by wicking urine away from the skin using low-wall suction and collecting it in an external container, avoiding the need for an internal (indwelling) catheter.
How the Male Version Works
The PureWick MEC is an external device, meaning nothing is inserted into the urethra or bladder. It sits against the body and uses gentle suction to draw voided urine away from the skin and into a closed collection system. This is the same basic principle as the female PureWick, which many people already recognize as the soft, wick-like device placed between the legs. The male version is shaped differently to accommodate male anatomy, and it connects to the same PureWick Urine Collection System that powers the female device.
BD specifically markets the male version for patients “who are currently incompatible with condom catheters,” which is a meaningful distinction. Condom catheters have been the standard external option for men for decades, but they don’t work for everyone. Men with retracted anatomy, skin sensitivity, or certain sizing challenges often can’t use condom-style devices reliably. The PureWick MEC gives those individuals a non-invasive alternative.
PureWick MEC vs. Condom Catheters
Condom catheters work exactly the way the name suggests: a sheath rolls onto the penis like a condom, with tubing at the tip that drains urine into a leg bag or bedside collection container. They’re held in place with adhesive built into the sheath. Application involves rolling the catheter on, leaving about half an inch of space at the tip for urine flow, and connecting the drainage tubing. They work well for many men, but the adhesive can irritate skin over time, especially with daily use.
A randomized trial comparing the PureWick system to a competitor external catheter (the Hollister device) for overnight incontinence management found that both captured urine effectively. Average capture rates were 90.9% for PureWick and 87.9% for the comparator. Skin irritation scores were very low for both devices, though participants rated PureWick as more comfortable and easier to use. They also wore it for the same duration, suggesting it stayed in place reliably through the night.
The practical difference comes down to fit and skin health. Condom catheters require a relatively consistent penile shaft size to stay secure. If the fit isn’t right, they leak or fall off. The PureWick MEC avoids that problem entirely since it doesn’t rely on a sheath-and-adhesive design. For men dealing with skin breakdown from repeated condom catheter use, or those who simply can’t get a condom catheter to stay put, the wicking approach can be a significant improvement.
Other Male External Catheter Options
The PureWick MEC isn’t the only suction-based external catheter for men. The Sage PrimoFit is a commercially available competitor that works on a similar principle. It’s classified as a basic medical device and has been used as a comparator in clinical trials against the PureWick. Both devices aim to solve the same problem: managing urinary incontinence externally without relying on the condom catheter design or an indwelling Foley catheter.
If you’re exploring options, the main categories for male urinary management break down like this:
- Condom catheters: Sheath-based, adhesive, drain by gravity into a bag. Widely available, relatively inexpensive, and covered by most insurance plans.
- Suction-based external catheters (PureWick MEC, PrimoFit): No sheath required, use low suction to wick urine away. Better for men who can’t use condom catheters. Require a powered collection unit.
- Indwelling (Foley) catheters: Inserted into the bladder through the urethra. Used when external options aren’t sufficient, but carry a higher risk of urinary tract infections.
Where to Get One
The PureWick MEC was initially available only in clinical settings like hospitals and nursing facilities. BD has been expanding home availability through its direct-to-consumer channel, similar to how the female PureWick became available for home purchase. The device requires the PureWick Urine Collection System to function, so you’ll need both the catheters (which are disposable and replaced regularly) and the powered suction unit.
Cost is a common concern. The suction unit is a one-time purchase, but the disposable catheters are an ongoing expense. For insurance coverage, Medicare classifies male external catheters as urological supplies and covers them when a beneficiary has permanent urinary incontinence or retention. “Permanent” doesn’t necessarily mean lifelong in the strictest sense. If your doctor’s judgment is that the condition is long-term and indefinite, that meets Medicare’s threshold.
Getting coverage requires a face-to-face visit with your prescribing provider and a written order before the supplies are delivered. Once initial medical need is established, you don’t need to repeatedly re-document your condition. Coverage continues as long as the underlying incontinence persists. Private insurers generally follow similar criteria, though specifics vary by plan. The standard billing code for male external catheters is A4349, and devices with an integrated collection chamber use code A4326. Your supplier or durable medical equipment provider can verify what your plan covers.
Who It Works Best For
The PureWick MEC is most useful for men who are bedridden or have limited mobility, particularly overnight when getting to the bathroom isn’t practical. It’s also a strong option for men managing incontinence after surgery, during recovery from a neurological event like a stroke, or with conditions like an enlarged prostate that cause frequent or unpredictable voiding.
The device does have limits. It manages urine that has already been voided, so it won’t help with urinary retention (when the bladder can’t empty on its own). It also works best when the user is relatively still, such as lying in bed. Active, mobile use throughout the day is better suited to condom catheters or absorbent products. For nighttime incontinence specifically, the suction-based approach offers a hands-off solution that keeps skin dry without requiring the user to wake up and manage anything.