Abstract: A cap guard for a urinary catheter is presented which extends the catheter away from the urinary meatus, in-line with the urethra, for a given distance thereby preventing/mitigating irritation to the penile head and urinary meatus during catheterization. Thus, the cap guard generally includes/defines a conduit extending away from the urinary meatus, in-line with the urethra. The conduit is typically configured to direct a catheter therethrough away from the head of the penis while the catheter is maintained in-line with the urethra. Thus, the conduit acts as a buffer between the penis and a bend/elbow region of the catheter. Systems and methods utilizing the cap guard architecture are further provided. Systems generally include the cap guard and a catheter. Methods generally involve steps of providing a cap guard and securing the cap guard relative to the penis.