Containment Options - Managing Urinary Incontinence: Bladder Conditions
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Containment options
A tremendous variety of pads and other absorbent products is available to suit your sex and the type or severity of your incontinence. In general, products designated for "light" protection will absorb up to 1 cup; "moderate," up to 2 cups; and "heavy," up to 3 cups.
When choosing a pad, look for products with super-absorbent layers; these pull fluid away from the skin into the core of the pad, where it forms a gel that can't leak out. Look for such brand names as Tena and Kendall. Check with your insurer about coverage for products to manage incontinence.
For women. Products include a range of disposable and reusable pads and underwear. Incontinence products include traditional underwear designs with a special crotch that wicks urine away from the surface and stores it. If you are limited in movement and dexterity, ask about products that are designed for easy use by people with disabilities. Women with mild incontinence may use less expensive and readily available menstrual pads, reserving specific incontinence products for when extra protection and dryness are needed.
For men. There are several absorbent products designed with the male anatomy in mind. Drip shields (with brand names such as Conveen and Tena) with waterproof backings slip over the head of the penis and can be kept in place with any relatively tight-fitting briefs. These absorb about 3 ounces of urine. For heavier incontinence, absorbent inserts shaped to fit men (such as Depend and Dignity) are worn inside your own underwear or special mesh briefs.
Is your home making things worse?Falling en route to the bathroom can cause fracture or other injury, particularly for someone with urge incontinence or someone who gets up at night to urinate. One solution is a bedside commode. Other steps that can prevent falls include installing grab bars and nonslip surfaces in the bathroom, wearing flat-soled slippers or shoes that grip well, and clearing throw rugs and obstacles from the path between your bed and the bathroom. |
| Last updated: | September 05, 2008 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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