A penile clamp is a device used in controlling male urine leakage, and can be very helpful for prostate surgery incontinence.
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 penis 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.
The Dribblestop® Male Urinary Incontinence Clamp is an external penis clamp that gently applies pressure to the top of the penis, as well as the urethra on the underside to effectively control urine leakage. The entire penile clamp is made of lightweight plastic and high quality, medically approved foam that does not absorb liquid. The result is a soft, natural feel—this penis clamp is so small and comfortable, (3 inches long by 1/2 inch wide) you won't even notice it's there!
CAUTION: If you use penile 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.
When used properly, though, penile clamps can help men manage male urine leakage.
Posted December 2006
Updated April 2011
