Both aging and menopause can cause urinary and reproductive system changes that may lead to involuntary urine leakage. Urine leakage, or incontinence, in menopausal women may be related to age as well as the drop in estrogen.

• The drop in estrogen leading up to menopause can thin the lining of the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body).
• The pelvic muscles and surrounding ligaments weaken with age. Childbirth can also cause these muscles to weaken.

These changes may lead to stress incontinence. This is the leaking of urine during any activity that causes an increase in abdominal pressure, such as laughing, coughing, lifting or exercise.

There are several options to treat stress urinary incontinence. These include medications, surgery, biofeedback, collagen injections and other procedures. Urinary incontinence products are another simple but equally indispensable solution. These products may be a good temporary solution while waiting for surgery or for medications to take effect. They can also be helpful for everyday use.

Urinary incontinence products help you manage the problem discretely. Finding the right product depends on several factors. The best choice is easy to use, fits your lifestyle and preserves dignity and independence.

What are the choices?
There are several types of products to choose from. Some are sold over the counter, while others need to be fitted and supplied by your doctor. Your doctor can help you decide what product is right for you.

Absorbent products. There are many products to choose from with superabsorbent polymer. This material absorbs the urine and keeps the skin dry, and helps to prevent rash and infection.

• Pads and panty liners. These are similar to feminine hygiene products, but are designed to absorb urine. They have adhesive strips so they can attach to underwear. There is a wide range of thicknesses available, but they can't absorb as much as an adult diaper. Most are also treated with a chemical that controls odor. These are good for occasional leakage or dribbling urine.
• Adult diapers and undergarments. These are better for larger amounts of urine. Some are disposable, while others are reusable and washable. All are lined with absorbent material. Some products come with a plastic outside covering. Plastic can contribute to skin breakdown and infection.

Vaginal pessaries. A pessary is a stiff ring, which a doctor or nurse inserts into the vagina. The pessary puts pressure against the vaginal wall and, in turn, the nearby urethra. The pressure helps reposition the urethra, which may reduce stress leakage. These plastic devices are often prescribed for vaginal or uterine prolapse (collapse) but are also helpful for some women with stress urinary incontinence. They can be worn all the time or as needed, such as during activity. A doctor or nurse practitioner would fit you with the right size pessary and can teach you how to insert, remove and clean it. If you wear a pessary daily, you will also need regular checkups to monitor for vaginal or urinary tract infection or irritation.

Inserts or plugs. These products work similar to a tampon except that you insert them into your urethra to block urine. You remove it when you need to urinate. Some women use this method if they are only troubled by urine leakage at specific times like during sports. There is an increased risk of urinary tract infection or irritation with this type of product.

Foam pads. These are small foam pads that are inserted between the labia over the opening of the urethra. This creates a seal and helps prevent urine from leaking. This type of pad needs to be removed to urinate.

Urethral caps. A urethral cap is a small, rounded device that uses suction to stay over the urethral opening. Some women find these uncomfortable. They also raise the risk of urinary tract infection. To lower this risk, the device must be thoroughly washed with soap and water after each use and discarded after one week.

What else is important to consider when choosing a product?

• Keep the skin clean and dry. Skin cleaners, soaps and topical antimicrobials can help to keep the surrounding skin clean and dry. A barrier product, such as petroleum jelly, may give extra protection of the skin from moisture. Ask your doctor what products are best for you.
• Keep the bed dry. If you have urine leakage at night, place an absorbent pad under the sheets and fit your mattress with a plastic cover.
• Bathroom accessibility. If you have trouble getting to the bathroom in time, you may find a bedside commode helpful.

Related Articles Urinary Incontinence: Don't Let Embarrassment Keep You From Getting Help How to Do Kegel Exercises What To Do About Urinary Incontinence Urinary Incontinence: Losing Weight Could Help Urinary Problems During Menopause Male Urinary Incontinence: You Don't Have to Accept It as 'Normal' Treating Incontinence

External Sources National Association for Continence. What is incontinence? . Accessed December 21, 2009 Fader M, Cottenden AM, Getliffe K. Absorbent products for light urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD001406. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001406.pub2. American Urological Association Foundation. Managing bladder dysfunction with products. . Accessed December 21, 2009 American Urogynecologic Society. Vaginal pessaries. . Accessed December 21, 2009 Payne CK. Conservative management of urinary incontinence: behavioral and pelvic floor therapy, urethral and pelvic devices. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Novic AC, PartinAW, Peters CA, eds. Wein: Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. National Association for Continence. What every women should know.. Accessed January 06, 2010 Foster DC, Duecy E. Stress urinary incontinence. In: Duthie EH Jr, Katz PR, Malone ML. Duthie: Practice of Geriatrics. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.