Pads.  No one likes them but they are a necessary evil.  I work with a brilliant physical therapist who always says, “Pad up and play on.”  So while NOT leaking is the goal, sometimes you need pads or some form of protection while you are getting there. And it is better to pad up than to stay home on the couch. But do you know what incontinence pads and incontinence underwear are available?

Lots of women use menstrual pads for their incontinence. They’re in the cupboard and we are used to buying them. The feminine hygiene aisle may be less intidating than the incontinence aisle. If they work for you, no reason to change. But remember that menstrual pads are designed to hold a much smaller amount of fluid (like half an ounce) and incontinence pads are designed to hold a lot of fluid (there are pads that will hold 24 ounces).  Switching to an incontinence pad may work better for you. 

There are lots of incontinence pads on the market.  There is actually a lot of materials technology in pads- things you never think about. They come in different sizes and shapes (mini-liners to underwear-style) and they hold different amounts of liquid.  Each company has a slightly different absorbancy scale but it is frequently a 6 point scale (1 holds a small amount, 6 holds a lot). The most common brands for incontinence pads are Poise, Depends, Always Discreet, Tena and Prevail but there are a lot more out there.  Some of the companies have pad guides on their websites and that can help you pick the pad that works for you.  So do your research before going to the store- the incontinence aisle is long!

Another option is to buy pads on-line.  Most on-line distributors have more options than a grocery store.  They also offer samples and can help you find what you need.  This is a great option if you have sensitive skin.  Some women have to try several different types of pads before they find what works best for their skin. The National Association for Continence has a great pad-finder site and some coupons, check it out!

If pads aren’t for you- maybe you hate the idea of adding to the landfill or maybe they just seem so unattractive-, consider incontinence underwear.(note: there are disposable incontinence underwear and reusable, so watch what you are searching for).  There are great styles and colors out there (even thongs), so that might suite you better.  The common brands out there right now include Speax, Proof, Knix, ONDR, and Wearever.  They don’t always hold as much as a pad but they work for lots of women.  You can also use a pad and the underwear if you need extra security. Bladder leaking is a little bit of a mind game- it can really impact your self-esteem. Do what feels best to you.