Dealing with bladder leaks can be frustrating, embarrassing, and exhausting, to say the least. However, choosing the right products can make all the difference. Incontinence pants have come a long way in recent years, boasting comfy designs that look and feel just like regular underwear.
Now you can go about your day with confidence, knowing you're safe from urine leakage. Whether you experience light leaks or frequent 'accidents', there's a style, size, and absorbency level for every need.
In this article, we'll introduce you to the best incontinence underwear for women and explore some of the most important features to consider when purchasing these products.
The Best Incontinence Pants for Ladies: Jude's Leak-Proof Underwear
If you are looking for the best incontinence pads for ladies, you can't go wrong with Jude's trusted leak-proof underwear. These fast-absorbing pants for women have been co-created with our community and offer the following features:
Made from sustainable, natural materials - perfect for sensitive skin
3 mm-thin gusset that feels like you're just wearing normal underwear
Absorbs up to eight teaspoons of liquid in just three seconds
Enhanced with odour-control technology
Secure seams to prevent side leaks
Machine washable
Designed to be highly durable
Our leak-proof underwear comes in two different styles and a variety of sizes, ensuring there's an option for everyone. We understand the challenges that come with wearing incontinence pants and always aim to provide a convenient, comfortable, and sustainable solution.
Features to Consider When Purchasing Incontinence Pants
There are numerous factors to take into consideration when buying the best incontinence pants for your specific needs, including:
Absorbency levels
The first thing you want to look at is how much protection the pants offer. Some styles are designed for light bladder leaks, while others provide heavier absorbency for more frequent or overnight use. Take the time to determine what level of absorbency you'll need to enjoy better comfort and peace of mind.
Style options
From full briefs to sleek bikini cuts, modern incontinence pants come in a variety of styles. Some look and feel like everyday underwear, while others resemble pull-up pants with a snugger, more secure fit.
While fuller briefs can make you feel more secure, French cuts can be better if you often wear bottoms with a lower waist. Choose a style that aligns with your preferences, and if you're unsure, get a few different types to see what works best.
Size
Just like regular underwear, incontinence pants for women come in various sizes. Finding the right fit is essential to prevent leaks and avoid discomfort, so always refer to the brand’s size guide before making a purchase.
Sustainability
If you're environmentally conscious, consider incontinence pants made from sustainable or biodegradable materials. Some brands now offer washable, reusable options that reduce waste without compromising on performance.
While disposable incontinence pants are convenient, they contribute significantly to landfill waste and often contain plastic-based components that take years to break down.
Drawbacks of Using the Wrong Incontinence Pants
If you wear incontinence pants unsuited to your symptoms and body, you could end up with a range of issues. Impacting everything from comfort to confidence, here are potential drawbacks to be aware of:
Discomfort
Incontinence pants that are too tight or too loose can be uncomfortable. If the pants are made from non-breathable materials, you may find that they feel moist and sweaty, leading to skin irritation.
Ill-fitting incontinence pants can cause general discomfort that may distract you from everyday life, from conversations with friends to important work meetings.
Leakage
Choosing pants with the wrong absorbency level or a bad fit can result in leaks. Not only is this inconvenient, but it can also lead to embarrassment and skin problems over time. Make sure that the leg cuffs are tight and that the pants feel secure before leaving the house.
Visible bulges
Bulky or ill-fitting incontinence pants are more noticeable under clothing than discreet options. This can leave you feeling self-conscious, especially if you’re wearing more fitted outfits or lighter fabrics.
Reduced mobility
If the pants are too restrictive or shift around when you move, they can interfere with your range of motion. This is particularly frustrating for people with busy lifestyles, athletes, or anyone else who requires full freedom of movement.
The Difference Between Incontinence Underwear and Adult Diapers
While incontinence pants and adult diapers serve the same basic purpose, they differ in design, feel, and how they’re worn.
Incontinence pants are designed to look and feel more like regular underwear. Their pull-up style makes them easy to wear and more discreet under clothing. This makes them a popular choice for people with active lifestyles who want a product that fits seamlessly into daily life.
Adult diapers, on the other hand, typically have tab closures at the sides and may offer higher absorbency. They’re often used in medical or caregiving settings and are easier to put on and remove for people with limited mobility. Diapers can also be more secure for overnight use or for those dealing with bowel incontinence.
The other major difference is that incontinence underwear is typically reusable, while adult diapers are disposable.
The different types of incontinence products
There are various products available when it comes to managing leakage caused by urinary incontinence, including:
Liners: Perfect for light leaks, liners offer a comfortable fit and discreet protection.
Incontinence pads: Ideal for heavy incontinence, incontinence pads come in a range of different absorbency levels. While they are bulkier than liners, they can still be relatively comfortable if you choose the right size.
Incontinence pants: Unlike adult diapers, incontinence pants are designed in a similar way to regular underwear. This is a convenient option for active individuals, as they are typically less bulky than incontinence pads.
How to Use Incontinence Pants Correctly
Using incontinence pants may seem fairly straightforward, but there are a few ways in which you can make the most of these specialised products. Here are some basic tips to get you started:
Choose the right incontinence underwear for your specific needs.
Change the pants frequently or whenever they feel saturated.
Follow the washing instructions provided by the brand.
Clean your skin properly after wearing incontinence pants.
Other Ways to Manage and Treat Urinary Incontinence
If you don't feel as though incontinence pants are the right choice, there are various other ways to manage your symptoms, treat your condition, and improve your quality of life, including:
Incontinence liners and pads
Since liners are thinner and more discreet than incontinence underwear, they are perfect for managing lighter leaks. Pads are also an alternative solution for more severe incontinence. These products come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and absorbency levels.
Lifestyle changes
Simple adjustments to your lifestyle can greatly improve your bladder health. Some tweaks you can make include reducing your caffeine intake, limiting your alcohol intake, quitting smoking, avoiding bladder irritants like artificial sweeteners and maintaining a healthy weight.
Pelvic floor exercises
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can give you more control over your bladder, thus reducing leaks and need-to-go urgency. You can perform Kegels and other pelvic floor exercises in the comfort of your own home once you have seen a physiotherapist and been given a personalised plan. While it may take some time to see results, consistency will definitely pay off.
Bladder training
Bladder training involves creating a strict bathroom schedule, gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to build better control. it is best done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.. This approach is the first-line approach recommended by doctors and can be helpful for people who feel the need to go frequently or struggle with urgency issues.
Surgery
Surgery is often seen as an option for cases of severe incontinence, when nothing else has helped. Options vary depending on the underlying cause and may include things like bladder neck suspension and sling surgery. It’s important to consult with a specialist to understand the risks and potential benefits.
FAQs
Is bladder leakage normal?
No. While a once-off incident can be seen as an 'accident', frequent urine leaks are not normal. If you're experiencing bladder leakage, you should book an appointment with your general practitioner as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your condition, determine the cause, and support you to come up with an effective treatment plan.
Are there any risks that come with wearing incontinence underwear for too long?
If you wear incontinence pants for extended periods, you could experience skin irritation and general discomfort. The prolonged exposure to moisture could also put you at risk of a urinary tract infection. This is why it's so important to change your pants when they feel wet.
What is the difference between urge incontinence and stress incontinence?
Stress incontinence is typically caused by weak pelvic floor muscles, with urine leaks triggered by physical actions like coughing, sneezing, jumping, etc. Urge incontinence is often caused by disrupted nerve signals, causing leaks preceded by a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate.
How do I wash incontinence pants?
Different brands will come with specific washing instructions for their incontinence pants. However, most incontinence underwear can be machine washed in warm water with a mild detergent, followed by tumble drying or line drying. Using bleach or fabric softener could result in irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Do men and women require different types of incontinence underwear?
Yes, men and women usually need different designs when it comes to incontinence underwear. The way leakage occurs can vary based on anatomy. For example, male incontinence pants are often designed with extra absorbency positioned toward the front, where leaks are more likely to happen.
Women’s incontinence pants usually have absorbency focused more centrally or toward the lower front area, reflecting common leak zones. They also tend to be shaped more like regular women’s underwear for a better, more discreet fit.
While unisex incontinence underwear is available, it isn't nearly as popular as gender-specific protection.
Final Thoughts
If you've ever felt ashamed or embarrassed by your urinary incontinence symptoms, you are not alone. Many women struggle to speak about their urine leaks, even with a trusted doctor or their closest friends.
Here at Jude, we are committed to breaking the stigmas surrounding women's bladder-related conditions by creating educational articles just like this one. We're also proud of the specialised incontinence products we've designed with the help of industry experts.
Whether you experience light leaks or require maximum absorbency, our incontinence pants, pads, and liners are here to give you the confidence to go about your day without the fear of urine leakage.
