THE TABOO TOPIC SURROUNDING CATHETERS AND SEXUAL HEALTH
We recently asked catheter users to share their experience regarding living with a catheter. These series of short blogs are intended to address some of the common responses we found.
In our recent survey of male catheter users, 75% told us their sexual health had been negatively affected since starting catheter use. If that's true for you too, you're describing an important topic that is well-documented yet rarely discussed openly, even in hospital appointments.
What do we know currently?
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There are studies that have investigated the impact of long-term catheter users in the UK and other countries but is widely accepted that there is still a lack of research into this topic…even though we know that it’s important. One UK study found participants describing a real mental toll, with one man using a suprapubic catheter describing it as something that "does have inevitably a mental consequence on sexual relationships," pointing to the visible tubing and drainage bag as a major factor, not just the physical presence of the device itself. The researchers concluded that body image and self-perception, shaped partly by how catheters are worn and seen, play a significant role in sexual confidence.
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A study of male catheter users found that intimacy and altered body image significantly influenced the ability to have sex, and, echoing earlier UK research, noted that sexual intercourse tends to be easier for men with a suprapubic catheter than the current Foley-style urethral one, since the tube bypasses the penis and urethra entirely. A pharmacological review of the evidence reached a similar conclusion: catheterisation doesn't typically cause lasting erectile dysfunction in most men, but where problems do occur, they're usually linked to specific, addressable mechanisms. These can be urethral irritation, catheter-related infection or inflammation, and psychological anxiety about the device, rather than the catheter being an inevitable, permanent block to sexual function.
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A 2025 exploratory study set out specifically to ask men with indwelling catheters about their sexual activity and whether they'd received any guidance on the subject; a study that likely wouldn't have been needed if this information were already routinely offered. Other researchers have suggested that clinicians often avoid the topic altogether. This is not because it isn't relevant, but because of a lack of training in discussing sexual dysfunction, discomfort raising it, or concern about how the conversation will land. The result, consistently, is that men are left to work out the physical and emotional adjustment largely on their own.
Based on the information available, what can help?
We know that it can be taboo to discuss sexual activity, but an open discussion can help achieve better outcomes. It can feel awkward to raise the topic but remember that they are healthcare professionals who treat your discussion in a confidential manner. When next talking with your urology team, consider raising the following points:
1: Ask specifically about catheter type.
If sexual activity is a priority for you, this is worth raising directly with your urology team. They might be able to discuss what options would suit you best.
2. Learn the practical management techniques.
NHS guidance confirms it's usually possible to have sex with an indwelling catheter in place, for example, by folding the catheter back along the penis and securing it with tape, a condom, or both, and by choosing a smaller or longer leg bag positioned on the calf rather than the thigh so it's less likely to get in the way. Your urology team will have had this discussion with many other patients so could offer management techniques based on your catheter and discuss how to prioritise hygiene.
3. Raise persistent problems with a clinician rather than assuming they're permanent.
Because much of the evidence points to specific, treatable contributors (infection, inflammation, anxiety, or catheter type) rather than an unavoidable consequence of catheter use itself, ongoing erectile difficulty or discomfort is worth a direct conversation with your urology team or GP, ideally including a specific ask about psychosexual support if body image or confidence is the bigger barrier.
It can also ease anxiety to be open with your feelings to your partner before any sexual activity. Patient organisations consistently highlight that communicating about needs, concerns, and any physical limitations, rather than avoiding the subject, reduces anxiety for both partners and often improves the experience for both. Intimacy doesn't have to mean penetrative sex either; many patient resources point out that touch, closeness, and connection remain fully available regardless of catheter type.
Where cymactive™ fits in
Several of the concerns raised in this research, such as a visible external bag, tubing that has to be taped or folded out of the way, the sense of a device "getting in the way", relate specifically to how a catheter is worn, not to catheterisation itself. cymactive™ is a patient-controlled magnetic valve system that manages bladder drainage without an external bag or tube. For men whose sexual confidence has been affected by the visibility or practical inconvenience of traditional catheter equipment, removing that external hardware addresses one of the concrete, named factors in the research above. But – the research is also clear - this is alongside, not instead of, the conversations with your care team.
Find out more about cymactive™ by visiting our website here or using the below form to contact us!
Please note: this article is not intended as medical advice and we would urge you to talk to your Healthcare Professional.
References
How users of indwelling urinary catheters talk about sex and sexuality: a qualitative study, British Journal of General Practice (2014), PMC4032019.
Life with an Indwelling Urinary Catheter: Experiences from Male Patients, Northwestern Tanzania — qualitative study, PMC9680475.
"Do Catheters Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Evidence and Management," Bolt Pharmacy (2025).
Sexual Behavior and Information Seeking Among Men with Indwelling Catheters — An Explorative Analysis, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital (2025).
NHS, "Living with a urinary catheter" — sex and intimate relationships guidance.
Bladder & Bowel Community, "Sexual relationships" patient guidance.
Coloplast Charter and Clinisupplies patient guidance on intimacy and infection prevention with catheters.