A wide variety of products are available for managing the leakage of urine associated with urinary incontinence. Your choice of a specific product depends on several factors, including the amount of urine loss, the pattern of urine loss, ease of use, cost, comfort, odor control ability, and durability.

Men who have problems with a constant leakage of small amounts of urine may find that a drip collector may be sufficient. A drip collector is a small pocket of absorbent padding with a waterproof back side. The drip collector is worn over the penis and is held in place by close fitting underwear.

Many men and women use sanitary napkins or mini pads to manage the leakage of urine. However, these products do not handle urine very well. Several disposable inserts are available that resemble a sanitary napkin or mini pad, but they are much more absorbent and have a waterproof backing. These inserts are meant to be worn inside your underwear. Some companies make reusable, washable cloth liners or pads that are held in place by waterproof pants.

People with leakage of large amounts of urine, may need to use adult diapers to contain the urine. Adult diapers are available in both disposable and reusable forms. The disposable diaper should fit snugly. They are usually available in small, medium, large and extra large sizes. Some of these diapers have elastic leg gathers to improve the fit and prevent leakage of urine. Reusable incontinence undergarments may be recommended when cost is a concern. These reusable undergarments resemble underpants with a waterproof crotch. They are designed to hold a reusable panty liner in place.

A new line of reusable incontinence undergarments that resemble normal underwear but have the absorbency of disposable diapers is currently available. These undergarments require no additional pads, but instead have a unique crotch design that quickly wicks moisture away from the skin. These undergarments are available in a variety of leakage control levels.

Other reusable incontinence products include washable, adult cloth diapers or contoured cloth diapers with a plastic cover. Additionally, some people wear waterproof outer pants made of nylon, vinyl or rubber, over their undergarments as an additional level of protection.

Men can also use a condom catheter device. This product is placed over the penis similar to a condom. It has a tube on the end and connects with a collection bag tied to the leg. This device can handle small or large volumes of urine with little odor, minimal skin irritation, and easy use.

Underpads are flat absorbent pads that are usually used to protect the bed linen and chairs. These underpads (sometimes called Chux) are made of absorbent material with a waterproof backing. They may be disposable or reusable. Some new products have the ability to wick the moisture away from the surface, thus protecting the persons skin from breakdown. Some people have designed there own reusable underpads from vinyl table cloths with flannel backing, or shower curtain liners covered with a flannel sheet. Others have placed a rubber pad between layers of bed linen. These underpads are available from a medical supply company or some larger department stores.

The most important consideration is use of a specific incontinence product is to contain the urine while protecting the skin from breakdown. A saturated pad should not remain in contact with the skin for extended periods of time. The skin of the incontinent person should be thoroughly cleansed and dried, and all saturated clothing and linen should be removed.

Most of these products are available at your local drug store, supermarket or medical supply store. An urology nurse or enterostomal therapy nurse can provide you with a list of incontinence care products. Also, the Help for Incontinent People (HIP) organization publishes a resource guide of continence products and services, which includes a listing of manufacturers and distributors of specific products. To obtain this resource guide call or write to:

Help for Incontinent People
Department RBC
P.O. Box 544
Union, SC 29379