Conveen® Optima is an alternative to absorbent pads

If trouble controlling your bladder is keeping you from enjoying a day out, there is a discreet solution to this common problem. The Conveen Optima sheath-and-bag solution is secure and inconspicuous so you can stay dry and no-one needs to know about it.

FAQ's on the Conveen Optima Sheath and how to use effectively

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What is a sheath and urine drainage bag?

The Conveen Optima sheath, used with a urine bag, provides a discreet, secure and reliable solution. It offers all day protection and is inconspicuous, so no-one needs to know you're wearing it. Read more about the Conveen solution

The Conveen Optima sheath, used with a urine bag, provides a discreet, secure and reliable solution. It offers all day protection and is inconspicuous, so no-one needs to know you're wearing it. With Conveen you'll have the confidence to get back to doing what you love most in the company of your friends and family. 

What is a sheath?

A sheath is specially designed for men to provide a secure and discreet way to manage male urinary incontinence. It is a soft, flexible sleeve that looks like a regular condom and is rolled on to the penis in the same way. On the tip of the urisheath there is an outlet that connects by tube to a urine collecting bag.

What is a urine bag?

A urine bag is used with the sheath to collect and store urine. It attaches securely to the sheath via a tube and is normally worn strapped to the leg. When the bag becomes full, it is simply emptied in the toilet. Urine bags are available for day and night use in different sizes for different levels of incontinence. As the bags are worn under your clothes (day use), they are highly discreet so no-one has to know you have continence problems.

What are the benefits of sheaths and urine bags?

Sheaths and urine bags are a discreet alternative to protective underwear and pads. Most men find they fit easily into their daily routine. The sheath can typically be worn for up to 24 hours and the bag is simply emptied into the toilet when necessary.

What are the alternatives?

Pads and protective underwear are commonly used to manage incontinence. They are worn under your clothes and the absorbent material soaks up the urine. Pads and protective underwear can be useful for mild to heavy urinary incontinence. However, they can be bulky and need to be changed frequently to avoid problems with odour and skin rashes.

Does one size fit everyone?

All men are different so a urisheath like Conveen Optima comes in 5 different sizes and 2 different lengths to ensure the perfect fit. Conveen also has a range of urine bags to manage different levels of incontinence, as well as a night-time bag.

Are sheaths reliable?

When used correctly, a sheath connected to a collecting bag is a very reliable and effective way to manage incontinence. Always ensure you use the right size to minimise the risk of leakage.

Do I need training to use the Conveen Optima sheath?

It will take a bit of practice to familiarise yourself with changing the sheath and collecting bag. However, most men soon find that it fits easily into their daily routine. 

How often should I change the sheath?

Each sheath can be worn for up to 24 hours and more frequent changing is not recommended. A sheath is intended for single use only and should be disposed of following use. For optimal hygiene and fitting, never use a sheath more than once.

How do I empty the urine bag?

When the urine bag is approximately two-thirds full, it needs to be emptied. You do this by simply opening the valve at the bottom of the bag and emptying its contents into the toilet.

What about during the night?

A good night’s sleep is important for everyone. For use during the night, a larger urine bag is available. This bag has a longer tube and is strapped to your bedside instead of your body for comfort. This allows you, and your loved one, to sleep undisturbed through the night.

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Every person is unique

Every person is unique

Finding the right size male external catheter ensures optimal wear. Before trying your Conveen® Optima, it’s important to measure for proper circumference size and length. How to use the measuring guide
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Before trying your Conveen® Optima, it’s important to measure for proper circumference size and length. Use these following steps to help ensure you have right size:

1) To find the circumference size, measure the penis at the middle of the shaft using the provided measuring guide (NOTE: It is important to take these measurements when the penis is flaccid)

2) Sit down with your legs slightly parted. Place the penis in opening on the sizing guide that best fits you. The arc of the measuring guide should touch the shaft along the entire coloured edge

3) If you are between two sizes, select the smaller size.

4) To find the length, place the ruler at the base of the penis up against the abdomen and measure, using the ruler, to tip of penis. 

Download the printable measuring guide  and Take the 2 minute assessment

Please note: the measuring guide is to be printed on A4 paper in a landscape orientation.

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How spinal cord injury can affect the bladder

Spinal cord injury and bladder problems

Spinal cord injury and bladder problems

About 80% of people with a spinal cord injury (SCI) will experience bladder dysfunction. Learn more about SCI and bladder problems Read more about SCI and bladder problems

The impact of a spinal cord injury on the bladder can result in involuntary messages to contract the bladder being received by the bladder causing leakage, or wetting. When no messages to contract the bladder are received, then the bladder is not emptying and it retains urine. The urine must be emptied to maintain health and prevent damage to the kidneys, this is most often achieved using intermittent catheterisation. 

Most people with a spinal cord injury will experience bladder dysfunction known as neurogenic bladder, which means they have a decreased ability to control their bladder. Learn more about how the bladder works. 

Typical symptoms of urinary problems associated with spinal cord injury

  • Small or large amounts of urine leaking without warning or without feeling the urge to go to the toilet
  • Inability of the bladder to empty completely 
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Find out more

Products that can help to manage bladder problems:

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Taking care of your bladder

Taking care of your bladder

There are many options for treating bladder problems. Solutions depend on whether you suffer from retention or incontinence. How to take care of your bladder

Most people with spinal cord injury go through a rehabilitation programme with the goal of living as full and independent a life as possible. A variety of products can contribute to an improved quality of life by effectively managing complications such as loss of bladder function.

Dealing with bladder retention

If you have difficulty emptying your bladder, you will typically use an intermittent catheter. Your first step will be to find a catheter that fits you and your lifestyle. It is important that you follow the guidance in terms of technique and how often you catheterise.

Dealing with urinary incontinence

Collecting devices like sheaths and bags are used effectively by many men dealing with urinary incontinence. Urisheaths are worn over the penis like a condom and connected to a collecting bag. It is important you use the right size urisheath while finding the right collecting bag depends on how much you leak. Read more about how to take care of the bladder

Urinary tract infections

The presence of bacteria in the urinary tract is quite common and does not always cause an urinary tract infection. If, however, the bacteria grow and multiply to a certain level, they may cause an infection of the urinary tract that needs treatment.

Symptoms of urinary tract infections

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection vary and may be subtle. They include:

  • Dark-coloured and strong-smelling urine
  • Cloudy urine
  • Blood in the urine
  • Fever/sweating
  • Bladder spasms
  • Increased muscle contractions in your leg

If you experience any of the symptoms listed, you should consult your healthcare professional.

Avoiding urinary tract infections

While there is no definite solution to avoiding urinary tract infections, there are a number of precautions that can help you prevent and sidestep recurrent infections: 

  • Generous intake of fluids – at least 1.5 litres a day
  • Good personal hygiene – especially when you catheterise
  • Catheterisation routines – complete emptying the bladder regularly
  • Healthy digestion – a good bowel routine may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections

Find out more

Following the right technique and using a hydrophilic coated catheter can also help reduce the number of urinary tract infections you experience. 

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Additional support

FAQs about SCI and issues related to bladder and bowel management

FAQs about SCI and bladder & bowel issues

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about SCI and issues related to bladder and bowel management. FAQs about spinal cord injury
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Frequently asked questions

This FAQ is intended as a guide to commonly asked questions. Please always consult your healthcare professional regarding spinal cord injuries. 

What is meant by spinal cord injury?

Spinal cord injury is the general term used to describe damage to the spinal cord. Typically, the injury is caused by broken bones in the neck or back pressing on the spinal cord. 

What causes spinal cord injury?

Spinal cord injury is most often the result of some sort of trauma, most commonly car accidents, falls, violence or sports injuries. However, it can also result from infection of the spinal cord and certain medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis and spina bifida. 

How can I improve my daily life?

Although most spinal cord injuries are permanent, it is often possible to achieve some degree of improvement through physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Various methods are available to help people with spinal cord injury live as full and active a life as possible by managing complications such as loss of bladder, bowel, or sexual control. 

Why does a spinal cord injury cause bladder issues?

The bladder, which stores urine, is controlled by the nervous system. When you have a spinal cord injury, it is likely that the nerves controlling your bladder are damaged and, as a result, bladder function is affected. Some people find that they need to urinate more frequently or urgently, some experience urine leakage, whereas others experience difficulty emptying the bladder. 

Why does a spinal cord injury cause bowel issues?

The bowel is controlled by the nervous system. When you have a spinal cord injury, it is likely that the nerves controlling your bowel are damaged and, as a result, bowel function is affected. 

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