Guide to Incontinence Products for Men After Prostate Surgery

April 9, 2025

After prostate surgery, the recovery process varies depending on the individual and their needs. One of the most common concerns during recovery is urinary incontinence. While this can be uncomfortable to deal with, the right products can make it more manageable. This article will help you gain an understanding of the types of incontinence products available to help you through your recovery journey.

Understanding Post-Surgery Incontinence

In many cases, a catheter may be utilized for the initial recovery period after prostate surgery. Once the catheter is removed, the individual may experience temporary or long-term urinary incontinence due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or even nerve damage. This side-effect can range from mild urine leakage to severe incontinence, but for most men, bladder control returns to normal after a few months.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Products

Managing male incontinence, no matter the severity, starts with selecting the right products for your specific needs. This will help ensure that you are protected against leaks and skin irritation that may occur. Making sure you know how to use incontinence products properly will help you heal confidently as you get back to your typical activities.

Types of Incontinence Products

Male incontinence products are not one-size-fits-all. There are several types of products with varying characteristics designed for different needs and preferences. If you’ve never shopped for incontinence products, it can be hard to know where to start, so we’ve broken down some options below.

Adult Diapers

Adult diapers, or briefs, provide the highest level of protection and coverage for urinary incontinence. Many people choose to use adult diapers if they need maximum absorbency or want to protect against overnight leakage.

Types of Adult Diapers

Most adult diapers feature tabs or fasteners that can be adjusted for a secure fit. Others are pull-on style and resemble regular underwear.

How to Choose the Right Size

Regardless of which style you prefer, sizing is particularly important when finding a product to help manage urinary incontinence. To figure out what size works best for you, you’ll need to measure your waist and hips and refer to the brand’s sizing recommendations. Look for which brands have additional features such as elastic side panels and form-fitting leg cuffs to ensure a snug, yet comfortable fit. The better an adult diaper fits, the more leak-proof it will prove to be.

Absorbent Incontinence Pads and Guards

For light to moderate incontinence, many people will choose to wear pads or liners in their regular underwear. There are several different types of incontinence pads, all of which provide extra protection for individuals with urinary incontinence.

Some manufacturers do make specific male incontinence products, such as leak guards. Leak guards are a great option as an absorbent solution for men as they are specially designed to conform to the male anatomy. However, leak guards are typically only a viable option for those with light urinary incontinence. Tranquility® Male Guard is an example of a product that offers maximum absorbency for men who experience light urge incontinence.

Features and Benefits

Since boosters are worn inside your undergarments, many people prefer incontinence pads and leak guards for their discreet features. Look for fast-absorbing options made with soft materials.

Usage Tips

Most pads and leak guards are made with adhesive strips to help them stay in place on the host garment throughout the day. Some brands, however, offer elastic features that will help form a cup shape to prevent leaks. Be sure to follow your specific product’s instructions for proper application and fit.

Protective Underwear

Protective Underwear are pull-on products that feel more like regular underwear, with options ranging from moderate to maximum absorbency. These absorbent pull-on products are often better suited for those with moderate to heavy incontinence. For extra protection, absorbent products can be combined, such as layering a booster pad inside a unit of disposable underwear.

Advantages Over Traditional Underwear

Since absorbent underwear is made with clothlike materials that don’t make noise during movement, many people choose to wear these during the day or when they are out and about. Wearing an absorbent product that you know you can trust helps incontinence worries be out of sight and out of mind.

Top Brands and Products

Tranquility’s line of protective underwear is known for providing maximum protection and absorbency while keeping you comfortable and confident throughout the day. Most of the brand’s options feature Kufguards® leg cuffs that prevent leaks by guiding urine into the absorbent core. Tranquility also features a few briefs that are made of 100% breathable materials, meaning that air can flow and prevent skin infection and breakdown for the wearer.

Bed Protection Products

When recovering from surgery, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting quality sleep and that you have comfortable places to rest. You can line your mattress and furniture with bed pads so that you can recover safely without worrying about leaks on your furniture. Bed pads can be used to reposition individuals who are immobile, but also to prevent urinary leakage to damage sheets and upholstry. Laying bed pads can help caregivers and wearers by preventing as many bedding changes and laundry cycles as they may have to otherwise endure.

Maintaining Hygiene and Comfort

Not only do underpads protect your furniture, but they will help you maintain your hygiene as well. If there is a leak while you are resting, an underpad will absorb the urine so that your skin can stay dry and healthy. To learn about other ways in which diaper rash and skin infection can be prevented, download the incontinence eBook, Save Your Skin: Superabsorbent Solutions for Managing & Preventing Incontinence-Related Skin Issues, today.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Incontinence Products

Our guide, How to Choose the Best Incontinence Underwear, will walk you through everything you need to know when shopping for products. We’ve summarized the main points below:

Absorbency Levels

You may see different terminology when referring to a garment’s capacity depending on the brand, so be sure to look for the absorbency capacity of a product, measured in ounces, to help find the right level for your incontinence needs.

Comfort and Fit

Don’t underestimate the importance of a well-fitting incontinence product. Follow the guidelines on the product’s packaging to measure yourself and choose your size accordingly. Look for stretchable side panels and leg cuffs to ensure the best fit for your body. To learn more about how to find the best size to fit your body, check out the Tranquility size guide.

Discreetness

In addition to being comfortable, most people want discreet options so that they can confidently get back to normal activities. You don’t have to be limited to bulky adult diapers. A high-quality product made with soft, cloth-like materials can still offer maximum absorbency without anyone knowing you’re wearing it.

Cost and Affordability

Higher quality products may come at a higher cost, but many brands offer loyalty and subscription services to help you save money. In some cases, if the products are medically necessary, insurance and Medicaid may cover some of the cost as well. Take a look at our budgeting tips to help you plan financially.

Managing Incontinence: Tips and Best Practices

While incontinence can be an unpleasant experience, you can manage it comfortably with the right products and habits. Here are some practical tips to help you approach it effectively and with ease.

Maintaining Skin Health

Regardless of which products you choose, taking care of your skin is essential. Using products with moisture-wicking materials and changing them regularly will help keep your skin dry and reduce the risk of irritation. In between wears, it’s important to cleanse your skin with gentle soaps and moisturize with products that contain natural ingredients, like shea butter and aloe vera. You can read more about skin health preservation products by reading our blog on the best creams to maintain skin health.

Diet and Hydration

During recovery from any surgery, it’s important to make sure you are getting the right nutrients and staying hydrated. A balanced diet rich in fiber can help prevent constipation, which can sometimes exacerbate incontinence. Some beverages, like alcohol and caffeine, can increase bladder activity, so those should be avoided as much as possible.

Exercise and Pelvic Floor Strengthening

Regular exercise, with your doctor’s permission, can improve overall health and decrease incontinence episodes. Specifically, you can perform pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the muscles that control urination – helping you manage your incontinence proactively.

Seeking Professional Help

As with any medical condition, be sure to work with your doctor to come up with the best plan for your recovery from prostate surgery. They can offer tailored advice based on your situation and may recommend other treatment options, like seeing a pelvic floor therapist to help you regain bladder control.

Managing urinary incontinence after prostate surgery doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right products and hygiene practices, you can find an approach that works for you so that you can focus on healing and recovery.

For more information or questions about this article, please call 1-419-352-1551 or email CustomerService@pbenet.com.

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