BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuUrinary incontinence products - self-careAdult diapers; Disposable urinary collection devicesIf you have problems with urinary incontinence (leakage), wearing special products will keep you dry and help you avoid embarrassing situations.Urinary incontinenceUrinary (or bladder) incontinence occurs when you are not able to keep urine from leaking out of your urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersChoosing the Right ProductFirst, talk with your health care provider to make sure the cause of your leakage and your treatment options. Urinary incontinence products can be used with these treatments.There are many types of urinary incontinence products that you can buy. These products help keep your skin dry and prevent skin rashes and sores.Urinary incontinence productsThere are many products to help you manage urinary incontinence. You can decide which product to choose based on:How much urine you loseComfortCostD...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ask your provider which product might be best for you. It depends on how much leakage you have and when it happens. You might also be concerned about cost, odor control, comfort, and how easy the product is to use.You can always try another product if the one you are using is uncomfortable or does not keep you dry enough.Your provider might ask you to drink less fluid throughout the day to cut down on leakage. Your provider may also recommend using the bathroom at regular, set times to help avoid accidents. Keeping a journal about when you have leakage problems can help your provider treat you.Products for Men and WomenYou can wear disposable pads in your underwear. They have a waterproof backing that keeps your clothes from getting wet. Common brands are:Attends Abena Depends Poise Reassure Serenity Tena Tranquility Many different store brandsAlways change your pad or underwear regularly, even if you are dry. Changing often will keep your skin healthy. Set aside time to change 2 to 4 times a day at the same times every day.Adult Diapers and UnderwearYou can use adult diapers if you are leaking large amounts of urine. You can buy the kind that you use once and throw away, or ones that you can wash and reuse. They come in different sizes. Wear a size that fits you snugly. Some have elastic around the legs to keep from leaking onto your clothes. Some come with a plastic cover for more protection.Special, washable underwear are also available. These look more like regular underwear than adult diapers. Some have a waterproof crotch area and room for a pad or liner. Some are made out of a special waterproof fabric that keeps your skin dry. You do not need a pad with these.Waterproof outer pants made of nylon, vinyl, or rubber are also available. They can be worn over your underwear.Special Products for MenMen can use a drip collector for small amounts of urine leakage. This is a small pocket that fits over the penis. Wear close-fitting underwear to keep it in place.Men can also use a condom catheter device. It fits over the penis like a condom. A tube carries the urine that collects in it to a bag attached to the leg. This helps to prevent odor and skin problems.Special Products for WomenWomen can try different products, depending on the cause for their urine leakage. External devices include:Foam pads that are very small and fit between your labia. You take the pad out when you need to urinate, and then put a new one in. Common brands are UroMed and Impressa. A urethra cap is a silicone cap, or shield that fits in place over your urinary opening. It can be washed and used again. Common brands are CapSure and FemAssist. Internal devices to prevent urine leakage include:A single-use plastic shaft that can be inserted into your urethra (hole where urine comes out) and has a balloon on one end and a tab on the other. It is only for single, short-term use and needs to be removed to urinate. Common brands are Reliance and FemSoft. A pessary is a round latex or silicone disk that is inserted into your vagina to provide bladder support. It needs to be removed and washed on a regular basis. It must be fitted and prescribed by your provider. Products to Protect Your FurnitureYou can buy special waterproof pads to put under your sheets and on your chairs. Sometimes these are called Chux or blue pads. Some pads are washable and can be reused. Others you use once and throw away.You can also create your own pad from a vinyl tablecloth or shower curtain lining.Where to Buy ProductsMany of these products are available over-the-counter (without a prescription) at your local drugstore or supermarket. You might have to check a medical supply store or search online for some products.Remember, washable items may help save money.Your insurance may pay for your pads and other incontinence supplies if you have prescription from your provider. Check with your insurance company to find out.When to Call the DoctorContact your provider if:You are not sure how to use your product. You are not staying dry. You develop a skin rash or sores. Skin rashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have signs of infection (a burning sensation when you urinate, fever, or chills). Burning sensation when you urinatePainful urination is any pain, discomfort, or burning sensation when passing urine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ChillsChills refers to feeling cold after being in a cold environment. The word can also refer to an episode of shivering along with paleness and feeling ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesBoone TB, Stewart JN, Martinez LM. Additional therapies for storage and emptying failure. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 127.Griebling TL. Aging and geriatric urologoy. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 128.Newman DK, Burgio KL. Conservative management of urinary incontinence: behavioral and pelvic floor therapy and urethral and pelvic devices. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 121.Resnick NM, DuBeau CE. Urinary incontinence. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 115.AllVideoImagesTogFemale urinary tract - illustration The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.Female urinary tractillustrationMale urinary tract - illustration The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.Male urinary tractillustrationFemale urinary tract - illustration The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.Female urinary tractillustrationMale urinary tract - illustration The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.Male urinary tractillustrationA Closer Look Urinary incontinence - InDepth(In-Depth)Urinary tract infection - InDepth(In-Depth)Smoking - InDepth(In-Depth)Diabetes - type 1 - InDepth(In-Depth)Multiple sclerosis - InDepth(In-Depth)Back pain and sciatica - InDepth(In-Depth)Diabetes - type 2 - InDepth(In-Depth)Parkinson disease - InDepth(In-Depth)Talking to your MD Urinary incontinence - what to ask your doctorSelf Care Urinary incontinence products - self-careWhen you have urinary incontinenceRelated Information Anterior vaginal wall repair(Surgery)Artificial urinary sphincter(Surgery)Radical prostatectomy(Surgery)Urinary incontinence - injectable implant(Surgery)Urinary incontinence - retropubic suspension(Surgery)Urinary incontinence - urethral sling procedures(Surgery)Urinary incontinence - tension-free vaginal tape(Surgery)Stress urinary incontinence(Condition)Urge incontinence(Condition)Urinary incontinence(Symptoms)Urinary incontinence surgery - female - discharge (Discharge)When you have urinary incontinence(Self-Care)Kegel exercises - self-care(Self-Care)Urinary incontinence - what to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Urinary incontinence - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 1/1/2025 Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Urinary incontinence products - self-careAdult diapers; Disposable urinary collection devicesIf you have problems with urinary incontinence (leakage), wearing special products will keep you dry and help you avoid embarrassing situations.Urinary incontinenceUrinary (or bladder) incontinence occurs when you are not able to keep urine from leaking out of your urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersChoosing the Right ProductFirst, talk with your health care provider to make sure the cause of your leakage and your treatment options. Urinary incontinence products can be used with these treatments.There are many types of urinary incontinence products that you can buy. These products help keep your skin dry and prevent skin rashes and sores.Urinary incontinence productsThere are many products to help you manage urinary incontinence. You can decide which product to choose based on:How much urine you loseComfortCostD...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ask your provider which product might be best for you. It depends on how much leakage you have and when it happens. You might also be concerned about cost, odor control, comfort, and how easy the product is to use.You can always try another product if the one you are using is uncomfortable or does not keep you dry enough.Your provider might ask you to drink less fluid throughout the day to cut down on leakage. Your provider may also recommend using the bathroom at regular, set times to help avoid accidents. Keeping a journal about when you have leakage problems can help your provider treat you.Products for Men and WomenYou can wear disposable pads in your underwear. They have a waterproof backing that keeps your clothes from getting wet. Common brands are:Attends Abena Depends Poise Reassure Serenity Tena Tranquility Many different store brandsAlways change your pad or underwear regularly, even if you are dry. Changing often will keep your skin healthy. Set aside time to change 2 to 4 times a day at the same times every day.Adult Diapers and UnderwearYou can use adult diapers if you are leaking large amounts of urine. You can buy the kind that you use once and throw away, or ones that you can wash and reuse. They come in different sizes. Wear a size that fits you snugly. Some have elastic around the legs to keep from leaking onto your clothes. Some come with a plastic cover for more protection.Special, washable underwear are also available. These look more like regular underwear than adult diapers. Some have a waterproof crotch area and room for a pad or liner. Some are made out of a special waterproof fabric that keeps your skin dry. You do not need a pad with these.Waterproof outer pants made of nylon, vinyl, or rubber are also available. They can be worn over your underwear.Special Products for MenMen can use a drip collector for small amounts of urine leakage. This is a small pocket that fits over the penis. Wear close-fitting underwear to keep it in place.Men can also use a condom catheter device. It fits over the penis like a condom. A tube carries the urine that collects in it to a bag attached to the leg. This helps to prevent odor and skin problems.Special Products for WomenWomen can try different products, depending on the cause for their urine leakage. External devices include:Foam pads that are very small and fit between your labia. You take the pad out when you need to urinate, and then put a new one in. Common brands are UroMed and Impressa. A urethra cap is a silicone cap, or shield that fits in place over your urinary opening. It can be washed and used again. Common brands are CapSure and FemAssist. Internal devices to prevent urine leakage include:A single-use plastic shaft that can be inserted into your urethra (hole where urine comes out) and has a balloon on one end and a tab on the other. It is only for single, short-term use and needs to be removed to urinate. Common brands are Reliance and FemSoft. A pessary is a round latex or silicone disk that is inserted into your vagina to provide bladder support. It needs to be removed and washed on a regular basis. It must be fitted and prescribed by your provider. Products to Protect Your FurnitureYou can buy special waterproof pads to put under your sheets and on your chairs. Sometimes these are called Chux or blue pads. Some pads are washable and can be reused. Others you use once and throw away.You can also create your own pad from a vinyl tablecloth or shower curtain lining.Where to Buy ProductsMany of these products are available over-the-counter (without a prescription) at your local drugstore or supermarket. You might have to check a medical supply store or search online for some products.Remember, washable items may help save money.Your insurance may pay for your pads and other incontinence supplies if you have prescription from your provider. Check with your insurance company to find out.When to Call the DoctorContact your provider if:You are not sure how to use your product. You are not staying dry. You develop a skin rash or sores. Skin rashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have signs of infection (a burning sensation when you urinate, fever, or chills). Burning sensation when you urinatePainful urination is any pain, discomfort, or burning sensation when passing urine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ChillsChills refers to feeling cold after being in a cold environment. The word can also refer to an episode of shivering along with paleness and feeling ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesBoone TB, Stewart JN, Martinez LM. Additional therapies for storage and emptying failure. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 127.Griebling TL. Aging and geriatric urologoy. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 128.Newman DK, Burgio KL. Conservative management of urinary incontinence: behavioral and pelvic floor therapy and urethral and pelvic devices. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 121.Resnick NM, DuBeau CE. Urinary incontinence. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 115.
