How to wear male incontinence pads

Introduction

Incontinence is a common problem. Incontinence is more prevalent in women, but it also affects men. Data shows that daily urinary incontinence impacts almost 5% of over 45s and more than 8% of men aged 65 and over (source). Incontinence affects bladder control, causing leakage. 

Although incontinence can have far-reaching consequences, there are solutions, including male incontinence pads. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss what male incontinence is and provide advice about how to wear male incontinence pads with tips to find the right pad based on your individual needs. 

Understanding male incontinence

Male incontinence causes unintentional leakage of urine. It can occur for many reasons, including muscle weakness, obstructions or blockages, injuries or trauma or overactivity of the muscles that regulate bladder function. 

Incontinence can be all-consuming, impacting your work and social life, dating and relationships and mental well-being. This is why continence products and treatment options are so important.

Although male urinary incontinence is common, affecting up to 10% of men in their lifetimes, it is sometimes viewed as a taboo subject. It’s important to know that there are ways to manage incontinence effectively. One option is to use male incontinence pads, which are placed inside the underwear to absorb urine. 

The image below shows a male incontinence pad:

How to wear male incontinence pads

Incontinence pads are absorbent pads, which are placed inside your underwear. They are designed to be discreet and comfortable and cater to both males and females. Male incontinence pads are worn inside boxers, trunks or pants.

Pads absorb urine, enabling you to get on with your day or sleep soundly at night without worrying about leakage. 

There are different types of pads available to cater to varied requirements and preferences. At Mobility Genie, we have a wide range of products, including:

• Seni Man Super Bladder Control Pants
• Seni Active Adult Incontinence Pull Ups
• All-in-Ones Super Seni Plus Adult Diapers
• Seni Man Extra Bladder Control
• Washable Incontinence Pads

It’s important to know what to look for in an incontinence pad and how to wear male incontinence pads to enjoy all the benefits. 

How to choose the right type of incontinence pad

At Mobility Genie, we help people who experience incontinence enhance their quality of life and confidence by providing high-quality continence products. 

There are a few essential factors to consider when choosing an incontinence pad. These include:

1. Absorbency/flow

The first thing to determine is the level of absorbency required. This will depend on the amount of liquid and the frequency of leaks. You can choose products that cater to very light, light, moderate or heavy leaks. 

If you use a pad and you find that it fills very quickly, you may need to opt for a pad with higher absorbency. 

2. Comfort and personal preferences

It’s beneficial to try different pads and see how you feel, as you may find some more comfortable than others. It’s also advisable to consider your lifestyle. If you have an active lifestyle, for example, you might want to try products like incontinence pants. 

3. Size

Male incontinence pads come in different sizes and shapes. It’s important to check size charts and select the right size to optimise comfort and ensure a good fit. 

If you have any questions about which incontinence pads are best, contact Mobility Genie. Our experienced advisers can provide tailored recommendations to cater to your needs, preferences and lifestyle.

Wearing a male incontinence pad: Tips for use

Once you’ve chosen the right product, follow these steps to help you master how to wear a male incontinence pad:

1. Find comfortable, well-fitting underwear: Male incontinence pads usually work best with fitted pants, which provide security but are not too tight.
2. Remove the adhesive strip from the pad
3. Place the pad onto the inside of your underwear with the wider section of the pad at the top
4. Apply gentle pressure to the pad to ensure it fits securely
5. Discard the wrapping

The image below shows how to place male incontinence pads:

How often should you change male incontinence pads?

The frequency with which you change pads will depend on your individual preferences, flow and the regularity of leakage or urine surges. Typically, it’s best to change them every 4-6 hours. 

Other ways to treat and manage male incontinence

There are several treatment options and ways to manage incontinence. The most effective treatment option will depend on the type, cause and severity of male incontinence. 

Treatments for male incontinence include:

• Lifestyle changes, including losing weight and reducing the intake of alcohol and caffeinated drinks
• Doing targeted exercises to boost muscle strength and bladder control, for example, pelvic floor exercises
• Bladder training: Training the bladder to hold urine for longer
• Using incontinence products, including portable urinals, bed pans and specialist clothing
• Medication
• Surgery: You may be advised to have surgery if you have a blockage, you have overactive muscles around the bladder or the bladder is under too much pressure.

Types of male incontinence

The main types of male incontinence include:

1. Stress

Stress incontinence occurs as a result of pressure or stress on the bladder. It often causes urine to leak during movements or actions, such as bending, sneezing, coughing, laughing, jumping up and down or lifting. 

Stress incontinence affects around 10% of men with incontinence compared with almost 50% of women (source). 

2. Urge

Urge incontinence is the most common type of male incontinence. It occurs when there’s a sudden, unexpected urge to urinate that you can’t delay or ignore. In men, this type of incontinence accounts for around 80% of cases. 

3. Overflow

Also known as chronic urinary retention, overflow incontinence occurs when you can’t empty your bladder fully, causing it to overflow. 

4. Total incontinence

 Total incontinence prevents the bladder from holding any urine, causing frequent leakage or continuous urination.

Conclusion

Male incontinence is more common than you may think, affecting up to 10% of men in their lifetimes. Incontinence pads are an effective solution. They are designed to provide comfort while discreetly absorbing urine. If you experience incontinence, it’s important to explore treatment options and ways to manage your symptoms. Finding the right incontinence pads can help you boost your quality of life and confidence and eliminate stress and worry. 

Need advice about continence care? We can help!

If you need advice about continence care or you’re unsure how to wear male incontinence pads or find the right products, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Mobility Genie team.