Feminine hygiene products for bladder leaks

Bladder leaks are common

Continence Health Australia reports that almost 4 in 10 women in Australia experience incontinence, and many notice changes after childbirth and during menopause. The same page says simple steps such as pelvic floor exercises, eating well and exercising safely can help most women prevent incontinence or manage symptoms. Our article on urinary incontinence explains the common types.

Liners for light leaks

Liners are the slimmest choice, worn like a regular pantyliner:

• Poise: Extra Light, Light, Regular, Extra Long and Ultra Long.
• TENA: from the Micro Liner through standard, long, extra long and ultra long lengths, with the Long Length Liner in 26 and 39 packs, plus Long Liners with Wings and Lights by TENA liners.
• Always Discreet: Normal liners in a 24 pack and Long Plus liners in a 20 pack.

Pads from light to overnight

Poise pads step up from Regular through Extra, Extra Plus and Super to Overnight, and the Thin & Discreet and Ultrathin lines offer slimmer versions. TENA lists Ultra Thin Mini and Mini Plus pads, Extra pads in standard and long lengths, Discreet Ultra Thin pads, InstaDRY pads and Lights by TENA Slim Pads, up to TENA Pads Super and Maxi Night. Always Discreet runs from Small to Long Plus, with a Maxi Night pad for overnight use. The full pad range, including other brands, is in incontinence pads and liners.

Pants and washable underwear

For heavier leaks, or if a pad feels less secure, disposable pants are worn in place of underwear. Women's styles include TENA Pants Women Discreet, TENA Women's Pants Low Waist Noir, TENA Discreet High Waist Underwear Crème, Poise Thin & Discreet Pants and Always Discreet Underwear, including Super Night pants for overnight. Most come in medium and large, and Poise Thin & Discreet Pants in Small/Medium and Large. TENA Washable Absorbent Underwear in Classic Noir comes in sizes 10-12 to 18-20 for those who prefer a reusable option. More styles are in incontinence pants and pull-ups.

Other products in this category

Vagisil Feminine Itching Cream Medication (25g) is made for the external vaginal area. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure whether it suits you.

A few TENA Men protectors, shields and protective underwear also appear in this category, along with TENA Pants Plus and Super, which TENA makes for both men and women. The full men's range is in male continence products.