Types of Incontinence Pads for MS and How They Differ

For many people, wearing absorbent pads is an important part of managing urinary or bowel incontinence. Several types of pads are available to choose from. What works best for you may depend on both your symptoms and your preferences.

Pads may not be the only solution for dealing with incontinence, so be sure to discuss treatment and management options with your doctor. But in case wearing pads is right for you, here’s what you should know about them.

For urinary incontinence in women, two main types of pads are available: disposable inserts and disposable absorbent underwear (sometimes called adult diapers).

“Disposable inserts are a first-line option, with diapers used for broader coverage,” or when a greater volume of urine needs to be absorbed, says Andrew Wolf, MD, a neurologist at the Rocky Mountain MS Center at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora.

Within both of these product categories, there are various offerings. For example, inserts come in different styles and absorption levels, and some absorbent underwear offers extra protection against urine leakage.

“I often recommend that patients wear a pad for added security,” says Mandi Bainton, PA-C, who specializes in urology at UW Medicine in Seattle. “Fear of having an accident can lead patients to isolate themselves and stop participating in everyday activities.”

For people who would rather not use disposable pads, Bainton suggests trying washable incontinence underwear. You can also combine different types of pads or underwear for extra reassurance. For example, you could wear a disposable insert inside absorbent underwear, changing the insert throughout the day as needed.

Many women are already familiar with menstrual pads and may wonder if they can wear these pads for urinary incontinence — especially since menstrual pads tend to cost less. But there are good reasons to choose pads designed for urine.

“Incontinence pads are engineered to handle higher volumes of fluid that is less viscous, and thus are more effective at handling urine,” says Dr. Wolf.

In other words, “menstrual pads do not wick moisture away the same way incontinence pads do,” says Bainton. This difference may not be critical for small amounts of urine, but in larger amounts, it can mean prolonged skin contact with urine.

When it comes to urinary incontinence pads for men, the options are similar to those for women: mainly disposable inserts and disposable absorbent underwear (adult diapers). But the designs are slightly different to reflect male anatomy.

For men, inserts that are flatter are sometimes called guards, while those that wrap somewhat around the penis are sometimes called pouches. “For mild incontinence, pouches or guards can be helpful and more discreet, while diapers provide broader coverage,” says Wolf.

Just as for women, pads for men can be combined to offer extra protection. And depending on your needs, you may choose to wear different pads for different activities. For instance, you might decide to wear an insert when you leave the house and wear disposable absorbent underwear at night.

For people who have limited bowel incontinence, “butterfly pads can be very helpful for managing small amounts of fecal leakage,” says Bainton. Butterfly pads fit between your buttocks and adhere to your skin.

If bowel incontinence is a larger problem for you, “diapers are often a key option due to overall coverage,” says Wolf. He adds that use of medications, supplements, dietary changes, and physical therapy can also help with bowel regularity and reduce bowel incontinence.

While incontinence pads are designed to absorb as much liquid as possible, it’s still important to help protect your skin from moisture while using them.

Wolf adds that irritated skin can become infected, so preventing irritation when possible is key.

Bainton notes that certain types of pads may be more likely to cause skin irritation. “I recommend choosing hypoallergenic options,” she says. “It is also best to avoid fragranced pads, as perfumes can irritate sensitive skin.”

Many health insurance plans in the United States don’t cover incontinence pads, so you may have to pay for them out of pocket.

Wolf says that Medicare generally doesn’t cover pads, while Medicaid programs often do cover them. You can ask your doctor about insurance coverage for pads under your state’s Medicaid program, which may go by a different name in your state. Private insurance plans, Wolf says, vary in their coverage.

If you’re paying for pads out of pocket, it may be worthwhile to look online for bulk or discounted ordering options once you find a pad that works for you.

• Physical therapy

• Nerve stimulation procedures

• Bladder training or planned voiding

• Dietary and beverage changes

• More physical activity

• A plan to quit smoking

• Medication

“Exercise is important for maintaining brain health in patients with MS,” says Wolf, and it can affect muscle function and control throughout your body. Physical therapists, he says, can help you develop an exercise program that takes your needs and limitations into account.

Regardless of your treatment plan for incontinence, don’t hesitate to use pads as needed. “Sometimes, patients just need encouragement and reassurance that it is okay to wear a pad,” says Bainton.