The Top 6 Stress Urinary Incontinence Products I Recommend To Patients

As a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, I’ve been treating patients with stress urinary incontinence for years. Through my experience, I’ve learned which products are the most effective and worth the price. Read on for my recommended list of stress urinary incontinence products.

Stress urinary incontinence can feel like a sensitive issue to confront but TRUST ME, you are not alone! In fact, about 1 in 3 people with vaginas (middle openings) suffer from stress urinary incontinence at some point in their lives.

If you struggle with stress urinary incontinence, I can’t recommend strongly enough that you find a physical therapist who has experience with your condition, and that you feel comfortable talking openly with.

What Causes Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence can occur during slight pressure or more forceful activities. Sometimes it is a drop or two, other times it can soak your clothing.

Stress urinary incontinence involves the web of pelvic floor muscles that regulate the release of urine for your body. When these muscles weaken it can result in poor coordination with your bladder and pelvic floor, and cause unexpected urine release. Your pelvic floor muscles and urinary sphincter may lose strength for any number of reasons.

Common Causes of Stress Urinary Incontinence

• Previous pelvic surgery – hysterectomy, prostate, etc.
• Illnesses that cause chronic coughing or sneezing
• Smoking, which causes frequent coughing
• Physical changes associated with aging
• Obesity
• High impact activities over many years including running and jumping
• Vaginal childbirth or the use of forceps

Struggling with stress urinary incontinence? Keep reading to check out my favorite well-reviewed products to help with stress urinary incontinence.

STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE PRODUCTS:

01. Impressa Sizing Kit

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT:

Impressa is a soft, flexible product that looks similar to a tampon. It is specifically designed for women with stress urinary incontinence concerns. It is inserted into the vaginal (middle opening) canal and provides pressure to the neck of your bladder, sealing it so you don’t have any leaks while coughing, sneezing, laughing, or doing other physical activities. I’ve also found that it is helpful for people who often feel a “heaviness” — as if something were going to fall out of their vagina (middle opening) while exercising or being on their feet all day. This sizing kit is a wonderful, cost-effective option, which allows you to explore sizes so you can meet your body where it’s at!

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Best for stress urinary incontinence or prolapse support, cost-effective, several size options

02. ActiCuf Urinary Incontinence Compress Pouch

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT:

The ActiCuf Urinary Incontinence Compression Pouch is a disposable, one-time-use stress urinary incontinence assistance product for individuals with a penis (phallus). This nifty little pouch is absorbent removing the need for an additional “backup pad”. The pouch is also a 2-in-1 product, at the top is a plastic compression band. The plastic compression band can be adjusted by squeezing and releasing it a couple of times to make it more flexible and comfortable. The ActiCuf is so discreet, small enough to keep a backup in your pocket without anyone noticing! You can quickly and easily remove and replace it when out in public, or at a urinal. It is a great nonmetallic option for those who need to contend with metal detectors during travel. This pouch is designed for those that dribble, if you have increased incontinence concerns you may find yourself going through pouches more often than is economical.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 2-in-1 purpose, disposable, discreet, nonmetallic

03. Bard Cunningham Incontinence Clamp

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT:

Many people with penises (phalluses) complain that their only option to deal with stress urinary incontinence is an unreliable surgery. The Cunningham Clamp is designed by Bard Home Medical. This is the regular 2” size, other sizes are available directly from Bard Medical website. The pressure clamp can comfortably be worn all day, or even in a pool, however NOT at night. The top and bottom of the clamp are moldable, adjusting to your comfort level. The latch is easily adjustable through clothing as well! The latch is metal, so plan to light up metal detectors. The inside is lined with soft, sponge rubber for comfort. It does degrade over time so it will need replacing at times. Those with higher levels of incontinence use this, in conjunction with a urinary pad, with great success! The Cunningham Clamp will bring you the freedom from stress urinary incontinence that you desire!

KEY TAKEAWAYS: moldable, metal, clamp, can be adjusted through clothing, can be worn in water

04. Poise Pads and Liners

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT:

Many people think that wearing a menstrual pad for stress urinary incontinence is enough to do the trick, but that is really not the case. It can actually become uncomfortable to wear menstrual pads on an extended basis. Menstrual and incontinence pads are designed differently. Menstrual pads are meant to pull gel-like substances from the skin, whereas incontinence pads pull liquid away from the skin.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: disposable, variety of choices, designed for long-term comfort

05. PROTECHDRY Boxer Brief

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT:

These magical boxer briefs come with a money-back guarantee through PROTECHDRY if you are not completely satisfied. That is a bold claim people, but PROTECHDRY lives up to the hype! They come in multiple different sizes and color options. They also have just a brief option if you prefer. With a built-in absorbent section in the front of the briefs and all of the seams are sealed, you are guaranteed not to leak! Designed to remove skin contact with damp areas in order to avoid irritation, they are also made of odor reducing fibers designed to break down the molecules of the ammonia, and all of this together makes them a stellar option for boxer brief underwear. No matter where your gender or what the cause is for your urinary stress incontinence, there is a pair of underwear that you can feel comfortable in, that is discreet and will serve as a daily tool allowing you to live life more freely yourself.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: reusable, discreet, reduces skin irritation, washable, economical, comfortable, style and size options

06. Speax – by Thinx

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT:

Speax offers multiple styles of incontinence underwear, most of which are available in a variety of colors. These are the most discreet and economical options. They look absolutely no different from any other thing you might wear, but in reality, they are packed with the tools to keep you comfortable all day. Leakproof and come with a moisture-rich barrier to ensure that your clothes remain dry. Each pair will tell you how many teaspoons of liquid the design can hold. These undergarments are odor resistant so you don’t have to worry! The best thing about Speax is that they are reusable! Wash in cold water and wear again.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: reusable, stylish, style options, size options, discreet, odor-resistant, washable, sustainable

As a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, it’s integral to mention that using a temporary solution, such as these options, is not always the best option. There are many ways to treat and heal symptoms of stress urinary incontinence.

8 More Ways to Cope with Stress Incontinence

• Work on breathing, pelvic floor, and abdominal muscle coordination and activation
• Hip, abdominal, and butt strengthening
• Practice pressure management strategies during stress events
• Transfer training
• Pelvic floor muscle strengthening (slow and fast-twitch muscles)
• Utilize incontinence assistance tools
• DO NOT limit or avoid fluid intake
• DO NOT go to the bathroom frequently prior to high impact activities

Remember, stress urinary incontinence is not something you need to suffer alone or be embarrassed by. If you want to get down to the root cause of your Stress Urinary Incontinence, contact me to book your FREE 20-Minute Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Consultation. (NOTE: You will be asked for credit card information to confirm this call. You will only be charged if you don’t follow the cancellation policy.)

More content you may like:

• Urinary Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms and Types
• Bladder Basics: How it Works and How to Work It
• Working with Dr. Laura Meihofer: PATIENT PERSPECTIVE

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