Even if your incontinence cannot be completely cured, it doesn’t have to make your life miserable. There are many products, services and practical tips that can help you manage it effectively. Your doctor or healthcare provider (practice nurse or continence adviser) can provide guidance tailored to your needs.

Everyday Management Tips

Absorbent Products

A wide range of disposable pads and absorbent underwear (pull-ups) are available for both men and women. You might choose a more absorbent pad at night, and a thinner, less absorbent one during the day.

Bed Protection

If you have nighttime leakage, bed protection can be helpful. 

Managing Odor and Hygiene

Urine can develop a strong smell after it’s been exposed to the air. You may not notice the odor yourself, so change wet clothing and bedlinen as soon as you can.  Keep soiled items in a lidded container until they can be washed. Air out your bedroom daily by opening a window. Disposable pads and underwear should be sealed in a plastic bag and placed outside as soon as possible.

Wear Easy-to-Remove Clothing

Choose clothing that’s simple to take off quickly in a bathroom emergency. For example, stockings or suspenders (hold-ups) are easier than tights, and avoid clothing with tricky fastenings or tight waistbands.

Make the Toilet More Accessible

If getting to or using the toilet is difficult, consider modifications such as grab rails or a raised toilet seat, particularly if you have arthritis or mobility issues.

Avoid Rushing

Do not endanger yourself by rushing to the toilet if you are unsteady. Research has shown that elderly people who need to rush to the toilet are more likely to fall and fracture a bone than those who do not have a urine problem. Better to have wet underwear than a broken hip.

Use a Bedside Urinal or Commode

For men, a plastic urinal by your bed or near your chair can be very useful. Women’s urinals are also available, though they may be more difficult to use. Empty and rinse urinals as soon as possible after use. If the toilet is far from where you spend your time, consider using a commode – a chair with a concealed toilet bucket.  Some designs have a lid, so they look like a normal chair.

Catheter Use

In some cases, a catheter may be needed. This is a thin tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine into a discreet collection bag attached to the thigh. This is typically used when other methods are not suitable.

First published on embarrassingproblems.com
Reviewed and edited by Dr Diane K. Newman
Last updated: July 2025 by Dr Diane K. Newman