As per the National Association for Continence, urinary incontinence or accidental loss of urine affects more than 25 million adults in the U.S. The condition, which can occur at any age, is more common in women above 50. Either temporary or chronic UI may result from an underlying medical issue and range from slight urine loss to frequent or severe wetting.
While behavioral therapies; nerve stimulation; surgery, and medicines may treat the condition, different incontinence products can also serve as effective management tools. These include protective adult diapers, incontinence pads, panty liners, plastic-coated underwear, and shields to protect clothes from urine leakage and make women feel more confident. Let’s delve deeper to understand the uses or advantages of these products for women.
1. Incontinence Briefs and Adult Diapers for Women
Disposable incontinence briefs and underwear, also known as adult diapers, are extremely useful when experiencing incontinence. Choosing a perfectly-sized protective brief with the proper protection style and absorbency level will offer you security while keeping your skin healthy. Select from long-wear and overnight disposable briefs that control odor, prevent bacterial growth, and wick away moisture simultaneously. If you experience sporadic or lighter incontinence, use guards, panty liners, and shields for proper protection. These women’s incontinence products may also work well for women with light to heavy urine leakage.
Incontinence pads feature three layers –
- The top surface allows urine to pass through and keeps your skin dry.
- The super-absorbent middle core, made using fluffed wood pulp fibers, also contains polymer powder to lock urine.
- And the third layer is a waterproof backing made of breathable material for skin protection.
Get them in two styles- pull-ups and diapers with tabs. Choose any style based on your preference, fit, size, lifestyle, and, most importantly, your incontinence level. The pull-on style adult diapers are perfect for active women who are always on the go, while those in tab style are for bedridden women. Their essential features include:
- Massive absorbency
- Day and night-time protection
- Extra-absorbent and wide core
- Elastic in front and rear
- Protection for more than 8 hours
- Reduced bulk
- Secure fit
- Dual leak guards
- Extra-long contoured lining for heavy urinary leakages
- Breathable material
2. Incontinence Pads
Incontinence pads can help you deal with little to lots of leakages. Top-quality incontinence pads absorb different quantities of liquid while locking in the odor, so you remain worry-free during long drives, workout classes, and even while sleeping at night. Incredibly absorbent, these pads are wide and offer a long fit for improved coverage. Go for the thick varieties that soak up liquid immediately without letting anything seep through. Even those with a main cotton center channel for extra absorbency are great for added protection.
Incontinence pads are specifically designed with contoured fit so they are wider in the back and front for better coverage. Also, the absence of wings makes them easy to remove without leaving any sticky residue. Since they are wrapped individually, you can carry one unnoticeably in your handbag. Lastly, these pads are highly affordable, offering a complete protection without spending much.
3. Tampon-Like Products
You can easily find tampon-like internal devices specifically designed for use in incontinence. Women with lighter urine leaks may find these products useful. Use them correctly as per instructions, or they may carry the risk of infection.
4. Portable Urinals
These reusable urinals can be extremely useful for women experiencing urge incontinence when they cannot get to the toilet. You can get two varieties – body-supporting and hand-held.
- The hand-held varieties, like bottles, jugs, dishes, and small two-piece moldings with attached drainage and small one-piece moldings with bags, rest between the thighs;
- The body-supporting versions sit under the thighs. Both devices feature openings making it easier for women to use them without spillage.
5. Catheter
Women experiencing incontinence because their bladder is empty may benefit from using a catheter. You insert These small tubes into the urethra several times during the day to drain the bladder. However, you need to clean these devices regularly for safe reuse.
6. Reusable Incontinence Underwear
For women who prefer underwears that feel like normal pants or those concerned about the environmental impact of disposable incontinence pads, reusable varieties with in-built pads may be the right option. Discreet and comfortable, these underwears look like standard knickers and offer several years of service with proper maintenance. However, they are apt for fairly light urine leakages.
7. Incontinence Pants
Incontinence pants work perfectly for women living an active life, perfect for light, moderate, and even heavier urine leaks. Available in varied absorbency levels, these pants may be more expensive than all the other incontinence products on this list. Though they offer added protection, you can find them as thinner pants with technology that soaks up urine effectively and keeps it locked away from the skin.
8. Incontinence Bed Pads
Ideally used as a backup plan for night-time leakages, incontinence bed pads may benefit women with overactive bladder. For added protection against night-time leakages and reassurance, you can wear these pads and other incontinence products, like pants or diapers.
For extra protection, add a superior quality water-resistant mattress protector under your bed sheet; choose PVC covers to go under duvet covers or use disposable underpads beneath bed sheets.
The Bottom Line
If urine leakage is taking a toll on your quality of life, incontinence products for women can help you take complete control. However, it’s a very personal decision that requires considering varied factors. Mild incontinence may evade with time, but sudden incontinence with heavy leakage may cause concern. Identify such symptoms and consult a doctor immediately to manage such conditions.