3 Reasons Your PureWick™ Female External Catheter Leaked & What To Do

3 Reasons Your PureWick™ Female External Catheter Leaked & What To Do

You got your PureWick™, set it up, and tried it out
for the first time—and still woke up wet.

We know how frustrating this can be, but it’s important to remember there is often a learning curve in the beginning, and it can take a little trial and error to get the hang of proper placement. This is especially true if you’re doing it for the first time.

But the good news is, the PureWick™ Female External Catheter (FEC, or wick) can be placed in a few steps, and in a recent survey, most users and their caregivers felt confident using the system after a few weeks.

The following are some of the reasons your FEC might be leaking, and troubleshooting to help you get the placement that works best for you.

The PureWick™ Female External Catheter (FEC) tubing is blocked.

There should be enough space at the top of the FEC for you to be able to pinch the blue cover without feeling the tubing; sometimes, however, it gets pushed to the edge when connecting the tubing. Use the following steps to make sure the tubing is not pushed against the blue cover:

  • Pinch the top of the blue silicone cover
  • If there isn’t at least ¼ inch (6 mm) space, gently push the tubing down slightly so it isn’t pressing against the cover

There is also a small vent hole in the blue casing at the base of the FEC (see Figure below). Make sure this remains unobstructed, as blocking it will also impede suction.

The FEC is placed too high or too low.

Incorrect placement of the FEC can result in leaks.

To place the FEC:

  1. Start by spreading the legs. Separate the glutes (buttocks) and labia
  2. With the gauze side facing in, start at the bottom and gently tuck the end of the FEC between the separated glutes and then up by the labia. The top of the gauze should be aligned with the pubic bone. (see diagram)
  3. If you move to your side after placing the PureWick™, check to make sure it is still in the same position and has not shifted or come dislodged.

The glutes and labia should hold the FEC in place for most patients, so make sure the FEC is tucked snugly between both the labia and the glutes.

The FEC did not stay in place
during sleep.

Following the steps above to make sure your FEC is snugly in place will help ensure it stays in place.

If you placed your PureWick™ while on your back and then moved to your side, check to make sure it is still in the same position and has not shifted out of place.

Additionally, wearing mesh underwear may be helpful in keeping the FEC in place.

Don’t give up

It takes some practice to place the PureWick™ Female External Catheter, but don’t give up.

Need more help?

If you need more help, our PureWick™ Specialists will be happy to walk you through proper placement or answer any additional questions you may have.

You can also watch our training videos for more detailed instructions and help.