Pads and protective underwear are commonly used to manage incontinence. They are worn under your clothes and the absorbent material soaks up the urine. Pads and protective underwear can be useful for mild to heavy urinary incontinence. However, they can be bulky and need to be changed frequently to avoid problems with odour and skin rashes. Does one size fit everyone? A variety of incontinence bedding is also available, such as washable bed pads that sit on top of the mattress and soak up any overnight leaks. The pads stay dry to the touch and they can be useful for trips away from home. Can I get incontinence products on the NHS? Fresh urine shouldn't smell offensive. If it does, there may be an infection. Good quality pads help to absorb some smell, but always change wet clothes as soon as possible.

Both indwelling and external collecting devices are connected to drainage bags. They collect urine coming out of the bladder. Drainage bags come in different sizes. Overnight bags hold 1500 to 2000 milliliters (1.5 to 2.0 liters) of urine. These are large and cannot be hidden.A catheter is a flexible tube placed in your bladder. An "indwelling" catheter stays in your bladder all day and night. There are two types of indwelling catheters. Indwelling "Foley" catheters are placed in your urethra. Indwelling "suprapubic" catheters go above your pubic bone through a small surgical cut in the belly. With both types, a balloon holds the tube in your bladder. They both also drain urine into a bag outside the body. The symptoms of mixed incontinence include leaking and a sudden, strong urge to urinate. Mixed incontinence is when you have more than one type of incontinence. Most often, people with mixed incontinence have SUI and OAB. You may also benefit from the use of incontinence products, such as absorbent pads and handheld urinals. Male urinary incontinence is more common than you might think. Approximately one in 20 men aged over 18, and one in 10 men aged over 60 have symptoms of incontinence. Drainage bags can be cleaned and deodorized. Soak 20 minutes in a solution of two parts vinegar and three parts water. Catheters for Intermittent Catheterization (IC)

Surgical treatment for stress incontinence, such as a sling procedure, is used to reduce pressure on the bladder or strengthen the muscles that control urination. Try thinking of practical solutions to problems that might arise while you’re out. You could take some spare pads and pants with you. Scented bags for soiled pads or pants could be useful if you’re worried about smell. For men, there are external collecting systems called condom or Texas catheters. These special condoms are rolled over the penis. They are kept in place by adhesive or straps. The condoms have holes at the tip. A tube goes from the hole to a drainage bag. Urine from incontinence collects in the drainage bag. Newer condoms are usually silicone. They come in sizes, with a sizing guide. Constipation (irregular bowel motions) can put pressure on your bladder or bowel and worsen incontinence. Eat plenty of fibre-rich foods (such as fruit and vegetables) and drink plenty of liquid. Keep active and exercise regularly. Dress for ease

Conveen – a discreet, secure alternative to pads

Find out more about surgery and procedures for urinary incontinence. Preventing urinary incontinence Urinals (plastic jug-type devices) are useful if you cannot move easily. You urinate into these devices directly. They can help when restrooms are not accessible. They are also useful when traveling. And they are an option if you are confined to a bed or chair. Most urinals, such as the newer spill proof ones, are easier for men to use. Urinals for women are not as easy to use. Skin Care Products There are also raised seats (toilet raisers) that can help you get up and down from a regular toilet on your own. total incontinence – when your bladder cannot store any urine at all, which causes you to pass urine constantly or have frequent leaking It's not always possible to prevent urinary incontinence, but there are some steps you can take that may help reduce the chance of it happening.

Being obese can increase your risk of urinary incontinence. You may be able to lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and healthy eating.Drink normally, unless your GP or nurse has told you otherwise. You should aim to drink 6-8 cups of liquid each day. Tea, coffee or other caffeinated drinks make your symptoms worse. Drinking too many fizzy drinks, alcoholic drinks, or drinks with artificial sweeteners in them can also irritate the bladder. Prevent constipation There are no FDA approved medicines to treat SUI yet, but there are things you can do. Ways to manage SUI include "Kegel" exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. Lifestyle changes, vaginal and urethral devices, pads, and even surgery are other ways to manage SUI. If equipment or home adaptations, such as handrails in the bathroom or a commode, might help with your incontinence, speak to social services. You’re eligible for a free care needs assessment, conducted by your local authority, to find out what help and support you need at home. With OAB, your brain tells your bladder to empty - even when it isn't full. Or the bladder muscles are too active. They contract (squeeze) to pass urine before your bladder is full. This causes the urge (need) to urinate. Most IC catheters are straight. Some (called Coudé catheters) have a curved tip. It may be easier for a man to advance a curved tip past the prostate gland. Catheter lengths are 6 inches for women and 12 inches for men.