incontinence clamps

by Diane K. Newman, RNC, MSN, CRNP, FAAN

A device called a "penile clamp" is used in men with incontinence. An incontinence clamp is a device that is placed around the penis to prevent urine leakage. After prostate surgery, men often use these clamps to stop continuous urine leakage. The clamp is put halfway down the shaft of the penis and then tightened to compress the urethra.

Several types of clamps are available but many problems such as skin breakdown, swelling, strictures (scarring) can occur inside of the urethra if they are left in place too long. The Cunningham Clamp is the one most often used. The inside of the clamp has a flexible part made of soft foam that conforms to fit your penis. The outside is made of metal with several notches on the side to adjust the tightness.

CAUTION: If you use these clamps, they must be taken off at least every 1 to 2 hours so you can urinate. If you don't, the bladder becomes full (over distension) and can cause some bladder problems and severe infections. I always teach men how to use these clamps and give instructions. They can cause problems such as prolonged compression of the penis that can lead to urethral stricture, decreased blood flow to the penis causing necrosis of the penis, or skin breakdown.