Incontinence pads and other products can help if you're waiting for a diagnosis or treatment to work.
Products and devices for urinary incontinence include:
- pads and pull-up pants
- bed and chair protection
- catheters and penile sheaths
- skincare and hygiene products
- specially adapted clothing and swimwear
Pads and pull-up pants
The most popular incontinence products are absorbent pads. You can wear these inside underwear to soak up pee.
Pads and pull-up pants use the same technology as babies' nappies. They have a 'hydrophobic' layer which draws wee away from the surface of the product. This means your skin stays dry.
If you have mild to moderate incontinence you can buy thin, discreet pads or pull-up pants for men and women. You can get these in many supermarkets and pharmacies.
For people with severe leaks, public health nurses can supply incontinence pads.
Using tampons for stress incontinence
Placing a tampon in your vagina puts pressure on the neck of your bladder to stop leaks.
You can use a tampon when necessary to prevent leaks. For example, during exercise.
But using tampons for long-term management of urinary incontinence is not recommended.
Important
Do not use super-size tampons for stress incontinence without talking to a healthcare professional first. It can lead to an infection.
Appliances and bedding
Other useful incontinence products for more severe leaks include:
- urinals (devices that collect urine)
- sheaths and drainage systems, if you have a penis
A variety of incontinence bedding is also available. For example, washable bed pads that sit on top of the mattress and soak up any overnight leaks. The pads stay dry to the touch. They can be useful for trips away from home.
How to get incontinence products from the HSE
You may be able to get incontinence products free of charge from the HSE.
To get these you will need to be assessed by a healthcare professional, such as your public health nurse (PHN). This is to to decide which is the most suitable product for your needs.
Contact a PHN at your local HSE health centre to ask for an assessment.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
