Periods are one thing—bladder leaks are another. It can be confusing to navigate bladder incontinence and what product will work best for you. Many women who are experiencing bladder leaks are completely unaware that they're using the wrong product to manage their incontinence. For instance, regular panty liners and menstrual pads just aren’t as effective when it comes to bladder leakages. That’s where liners and pads specifically made for bladder incontinence issues come in.
Incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of bladder and/or bowel control. There are a variety of types of incontinence that fall under the umbrella of ‘urinary incontinence’ that are defined by their triggers.
Additionally, incontinence can vary greatly in its severity and the frequency of symptoms from person to person. Urinary incontinence is a common, and often treatable condition, and not something that is dangerous to your overall health nor is it anything to be ashamed of.
Urinary incontinence can be caused by a variety of different factors and life events. One can begin to develop incontinence due to natural factors. For example, bladder incontinence is a natural part of aging or as a side effect of certain illnesses like Multiple Sclerosis.
On the other hand, one can also develop urinary incontinence (UI) from behavioral choices like drinking significant amounts of alcohol or caffeine. Also, other health factors such as obesity can put added pressure on the bladder leading to incontinence, or even smoking can trigger incontinence due to tobacco being a common bladder irritant.
It’s true that women are more likely to develop incontinence. In fact, they are more than twice as likely to be experiencing UI when compared to men. The biologically female experience lends itself to a more vulnerable pelvic floor due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and hysterectomies.
Incontinence products are specifically designed to absorb more fluids than menstrual pads. Plus, they help control urine odors and protect the skin. In contrast, menstrual liners and pads are not designed to absorb urine. Instead, they are designed to absorb period blood flows and are often used by women who are menstruating, experiencing postpartum bleeding, recovering from vaginal surgery, etc.
Also, while menstrual pads have wings on the outer sides to prevent blood flow leakages, incontinence pads stop leaks where they are most likely to occur—the legs.
Also, cotton isn’t necessarily the most effective at absorbing urine. Instead, sustainable female wellness companies, such as Attn:Grace, have found that consciously crafted materials like chlorine-free wood pulp and super absorbent polymer are adept at stopping leaks before they happen. Plus, these all-natural incontinence product companies are free of toxic inks, dyes, and harsh chemicals.
Are you prone to skin irritation? Incontinence panty liners and pads should be your go-to as they are designed to lessen skin irritation than menstrual products. No bleach, no synthetic fragrances, and no need to worry.
Keeping a healthy vulva and vagina can help prevent and/or alleviate infection and uncomfortable irritation. This is especially true when you are using products that sit directly against the skin in these areas. (Think: period and bladder leak pads, which sit in direct contact with the vulva and tampons that are inserted into the vaginal canal—both typically for extended periods of time.)
The area around the vagina (i.e. the vulva) can become irritated easily. In fact, it is some of the most porous skin on our bodies, and, as such, is more likely to absorb chemicals when exposed. Avoiding personal care products that contain harsh chemicals is a powerful place to start to avoid skin irritation and other reactions that can range from simply being uncomfortable to potentially requiring medical intervention. This is why it’s so important to find incontinence products that will do right by your bodily health.
The advantages of sustainable incontinence pads:
The disadvantages of your average menstrual pad:
You deserve high-performing, super-absorbent, body and earthy friendly comfort that makes you feel protected against bladder leakages. One in three women experience bladder leaks, yet it is something that most of us have rarely, if ever, discussed with the women in our lives. But times are changing, and little by little, women are speaking openly about the struggles and unmet needs within women’s health.
