Pads/Collecting Devices

There are many absorbent products specifically designed for adult urinary incontinence. There are even specific ones for male adult incontinence. These are often useful to patients and families and enable continued participation in activities without fear of embarrassing accidents. There is some concern that this is often an easy solution and that therefore a search for an underlying cause or alternative therapy may not be attempted.

When these pads are used, care needs to be taken that they are changed frequently and that the skin is thoroughly washed and dried after each incontinent episode. Often moisture barrier creams are used as well to protect the skin from urine and to prevent skin breakdown.

External catheters are sometimes used as well. They are often easier to use with men than with women. There is some concern that the incidence of urinary tract infections is often frequently as high with the use of these catheters as with indwelling catheters.