CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Incontinence - urinary, in women - Management
Should I recommend the use of absorbent pads or containment devices?
- Reserve the use of absorbent products for the following circumstances:
- To cope with urinary leakage whilst awaiting assessment and treatment.
- To contain leakage whilst awaiting response to ongoing treatment.
- For women with severe cognitive or mobility impairment that precludes further assessment or treatment.
- For long-term management only after all treatment options have been explored.
- If appropriate, refer to a continence adviser or the district nursing service to enable provision of the most suitable daytime and night-time protection (such as pads).
- If the woman is keen to purchase an intravaginal or intraurethral device, advise that they may only be used occasionally to prevent incontinence (such as during physical exercise).
- Do not recommend the use of menstrual tampons for incontinence.
- Ring pessaries are not recommended.
In depth
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement