Continence tips (SPARC)
On this page:
It is believed that 1 in 5 people in the UK are impacted by incontinence. There are many reasons why we might experience incontinence at different stages of life e.g. after giving birth or after surgery.
Cancer and cancer treatments can increase the risk of incontinence. Just because incontinence is common, doesn’t mean that it is normal – there is help available!
This page offers tips to help manage issues related to bladder or bowel incontinence.
Everyone may have different needs relating to their specific cancer or treatment, therefore it is advisable to check this advice with your healthcare team first.
For more information on bladder symptoms, visit our web page here… or you can watch our video here…
For more information on bowel symptoms, visit out webpage here… or you can watch our video here…
Continence Products
- Continence pads: You can purchase these from supermarkets or chemists, or order directly from the manufacturer (some may send you an initial sample for free)
- Some websites, such as the Incontinence Supermarket, sell pads VAT free which is slightly cheaper. Incontinence Pads & Pants for Men and Women | Incontinence Supermarket.
- The most common brand is Tena however there are so many products on the market and all do exactly the same thing, so it doesn’t matter what brand you choose. There are a few different styles that you can try:
- The sanitary style pad which sticks inside your underwear. These are good for during the day as are quick and easy to change and to dispose of
- The underwear style pull on pants. These are good for during the night especially if you move around as this will give that added security and are slightly more absorbent
- If you only leak a small amount, washable period underwear can be an eco friendly option
- Community continence nursing teams can prescribe pads as part of their management plan. Please be aware that the volume of pads they can provide is limited and varies from borough to borough
- Problems with leakage can be an extra expense, Macmillan offer support regarding ways to help cover the cost (Tel: 0808 808 0000)
How to dispose of continence products:
- Never flush continence products down the toilet
- Wrap up the used product to minimize leaks or odours
- Use a scented or unscented plastic bag to seal the product – consider double bagging if necessary
- Dispose of the sealed bag in a regular or sanitary bin
Skincare
- Use absorbent incontinence pads to increase dryness
- Consider using a skin cleanser instead of soap and water to increase skin hydration
- Try not to scratch your skin if it is itchy, or keep your nails short to reduce harm
- Skin barrier creams e.g. Sudocrem can interfere with absorbency of pads so consider oil free alternatives
Clothing
- Try using cotton underwear – it is more breathable than other materials
- Easy access/elasticated waist bands can help to remove clothing in a rush if you experience urge incontinence
- Loose clothing can make pads feel more comfortable
- Dark coloured clothing can help to disguise leaking
Plan ahead when you go out:
It can be helpful to be prepared if you are leaving the house, consider taking a bag with supplies to help you feel more confident: (e.g. wet wipes, pads, bag to dispose change of clothes, a barrier cream for skin health, just cant wait card).
- Wet wipes
- Pads and disposal bags (you can buy scented or non-scented)
- Change of clothes
- A barrier or moisturising cream for skin health
- Just can’t wait card – this can make it easier to access public toilets
- A radar key – this allows you to access disabled toilets across the UK, you can purchase one through Disability Rights UK
- You can also have a look at the Toilet Map: Home before hand, so that you know where you can access public toilets.