Dec 12, 2025
If you’re living with incontinence, the worry of having leaks in public is real; and fear and uncertainty could take an emotional toll on you.
Fear not, you don't need to cancel your plans because of bladder leaks. Let's explore practical tips to help you feel calm as you discreetly manage your incontinence in public.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Let’s recap the different types of incontinence, each with its own causes and patterns.1 Understanding which type of incontinence you have could make it easier to recognize why it happens and what how you can manage it.1
Let’s look at some ways incontinence could show up for you.
Stress-Related Incontinence
You may notice some leaks when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or exercise.1 Those moments put more pressure on your bladder, and if your pelvic tissue and muscles are weak, you may not be able to hold in your pee.1
Stress incontinence could affect both men and women, but it’s more common in women, especially after multiple vaginal births.2
Curious about other reasons your pelvic muscles and others could get weak? Here is our article on stress incontinence to help you learn more.
Urge Incontinence (The Sudden Need to Go)
You may notice leaks after experiencing a sudden, intense urge to pee.1 This urge could make it hard to reach the toilet in time.1 Urge incontinence could affect both men and women, and it’s a symptom of overactive bladder.3
There are other reasons you could experience this type of leak outside of an overactive bladder.1 We’ve got more info on urge incontinence to help you.
Overflow Incontinence
Ever notice dribbles of pee on your clothing, even after using the toilet? It might be overflow incontinence.1 It happens because your bladder doesn’t completely empty during bathroom breaks, leading to leaks later.1
This type of bladder leak is more common in men than women, often due to prostate issues, such as an enlarged prostate.4
Mixed Incontinence
If you notice both stress and urge patterns, you might have mixed incontinence.1 While it might feel like double the trouble, know that his type of bladder leak could affect anyone, but it’s more common in older women.5
Short-Term Causes of Incontinence
Sometimes, incontinence happens because of factors you could change; like lifestyle habits or short-term health issues, like drinking many fizzy drinks or urinary tract infections (UTIs).6
Here are some short-term causes to help you when living with incontinence.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
A burning sensation or discomfort when peeing may not be the only symptom you have with a UTI.7 Sometimes, bladder leaks could occur with sudden urges because the bacteria irritate your bladder.7
Did you know women are more likely to have UTIs?8 Learn more about urinary tract infections in women and How to Prevent Bladder Infections
Constipation and Bladder Pressure
When you’re constipated, the buildup of stool in your colon could push against the bladder and urethra because of where it sits in the body.9 This pressure on the bladder could affect how your pee flows, causing leaks.9
Impact of Alcohol
While you may not think of alcohol immediately when it comes to bladder leaks, it could be a factor.10 Alcohol may increase how much you pee and could also relax the muscles that control your bladder.10 Both of these effects could worsen leaks, leading to more unexpected accidents.10
Effects of Caffeine
While caffeine could help keep you awake and alert, it could also affect your bladder control.10 Found in beverages like coffee and energy drinks, caffeine could increase your urge to pee.10 Like alcohol, it has diuretic effects, which could put extra stress on your bladder.10
Fizzy Drinks and Bladder Irritation
Fizzy drinks like soda and sparkling water are acidic and contain bubbles (carbonation).11 This acidity and bubbles could irritate your bladder through bloating, worsening leaks and increasing your urge to pee.11,12
Artificial Sweeteners and Incontinence
Artificial sweeteners like saccharin or aspartame could irritate your bladder, increasing your urge to pee and worsening leaks.12,13
Chocolate as a Bladder Trigger
While chocolate may be the perfect way to unwind after a long day, it could also cause some bladder trouble.12 Chocolate is a good combination of sugar and caffeine, which stimulates your bladder, leading to those unexpected leaks.12
Spicy Foods (Including Chilies)
Spicy foods could irritate your bladder lining, making you feel more urgency, and even causing discomfort for some people.12,14
Foods High in Sugar or Acid
Sugary drinks like grape juice or acidic fruits like oranges could irritate your bladder, making leaks more likely.12,14
Food affects people differently, which is why it helps to notice how your body reacts before cutting anything out. Here are some of the best and worst foods for an overactive bladder to help you know what to keep on the list while trying new foods.
Side Effects of Certain Medications
Some of your medications could be the cause of those unexpected leaks.6 While it may be tempting to stop them for relief, it’s important to speak with your doctor first.
Here are some medications that could affect bladder control:
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Diuretics6
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Blood pressure medications6
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Sedatives6
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Muscle relaxants6
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Large doses of vitamin C6
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Antihistamines15
Long-Term (Persistent) Urinary Incontinence
Just like there are short-term causes, there are also long-term causes of incontinence.6 You may be experiencing bladder leaks due to ongoing health conditions or physical changes, like pregnancy.6
Let’s look at some long-term causes of incontinence.
Enlarged Prostate in Men
An enlarged prostate could block the way your pee flows.4 This obstruction could increase the pressure, which is why you may find it harder to empty your bladder or experience leaks.4,16
Prostate Cancer and Treatment Effects
As you recover from prostate cancer treatments like surgery or radiation therapy, you might notice some leaks.17 Incontinence after prostate cancer surgery occurs because it could affect how your bladder stores pee.17 Radiation therapy, on the other hand, could affect the nerves that control how your bladder empties, leading to leaks.17
Urinary Obstructions (Stones or Tumors)
Tumors or stones in your bladder, or anywhere along the path where pee flows out, could block the flow and cause leaks.6
Neurological Conditions Affecting Bladder Control
You may notice some leaks if you have health conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or injuries that affect the brain or spinal cord.6 These conditions could cause leaks because they affect with the nerves that help control your bladder.6
Pregnancy and Bladder Pressure
As your baby grows bigger, they could put extra pressure on your pelvic floor muscles.18 That's why you may notice leaks when you cough or sneeze.18
The good news is that those unexpected leaks may happen during pregnancy but go away after childbirth.19
Childbirth-Related Pelvic Floor Damage
When you go through vaginal delivery, there are chances that it could stretch, strain, or tear the muscles, nerves, and tissue that help support your pelvic floor.20 This shift not only weakens the pelvic floor but could also change the position of your bladder and other organs there.20 Which is why you notice those unexpected leaks.20
The good news is that, while scary, not all women experience these tears or strains.20 Even, some women only experience incontinence for a few months after childbirth.20 We talk all about this experience and more in our article on postpartum incontinence.
Age-Related Changes in Bladder Function
As you age, your body goes through some natural changes. For instance, your bladder may not be able to store as much pee, or your pelvic floor muscles may weaken.6,21 These changes lead to those bladder leaks you experience in public and inprivate.6,21
Menopause and Hormonal Changes
After menopause, your body naturally produces less estrogen.6 Estrogen is a hormone that helps protect your urethra and bladder lining. That's why the decline could cause those unexpected leaks you may experience.6
These changes could also happen before and during menopause.22 Yet, learning more about how incontinence happens during menopause could help you be prepared.
Managing Urinary Incontinence
Living with urinary leakage could feel stressful, especially with the constant worry about leaks in public or during daily activities. Here are some practical steps to help you regain confidence, stay comfortable, and manage your symptoms discreetly.
Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles for Better Control
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) are a simple exercise that you could do anywhere to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles even with partial nerve loss.1,23 When done consistently and correctly, they could help you feel confident and improve your stress incontinence symptoms.2
Using Absorbent Pads and Products
One effective way to cope with incontinence in daily life is by using absorbent incontinence products. These products are specifically designed to keep you comfortable, confident, and leak-free.
When choosing an absorbent product, consider:24
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Your size and fit: A proper fit helps prevent leaks and discomfort.
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Ease of use: Look for products you can easily put on and remove.
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Absorbency needs: Match the product to your level of leaks.
There are products to suit everyone’s levers of leaks and lifestyle. Some discreet incontinence products include:
Products for Men
Men’s products are made to fit the male anatomy perfectly and are designed with an active lifestyle in mind. They include:
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Male Guards: Slim, discreet, and perfect for light leaks and dribbles.
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Male Shields: Discreet extra protection without the bulk.
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Protective Underwear: High absorbency with a fit just like your regular underwear. It’s perfect for heavier leaks and long outings.
Products for Women
There are also products shaped to fit a woman’s anatomy, and they are specially tailored for comfort and protection. They include:
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Bladder Control Pads : Secure, discreet, and absorbent to catch moderate to heavy leaks.
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Liners: Discreet everyday option perfect for light leaks or dribbles.
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Protective Underwear: Provides more protection during long outings while fitting just like regular underwear.
Unisex Products
If you’re looking for something versatile, adult diaper briefs are a solid choice. They are designed to fit everyone’s needs and for extended wear. These products are discreet, reliable, and highly absorbent, even for heavier leaks.
It’s normal to feel unsure about which product to choose or how to properly use them. We’ve compiled some helpful guides to make it easier:
Practice Good Toileting and Hygiene Habits
When dealing with incontinence, your hygiene and toileting habits could go a long way in preventing leaks, irritations, and infections.24, 25
Here are some habits you could add to your list:
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Avoid holding your pee regularly.
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Relax your bladder muscles when you pee.
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Avoid rushing when you pee.
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Practice perineal care.
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Change your absorbent products regularly
Avoid Incontinence Triggers in Your Diet
Having certain foods and drinks could make your bladder leaks feel worse.12 That's why avoiding bladder irritants like the following could help you feel in control when you’re out and about:12
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Caffeinated drinks like coffee
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Alcohol
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Acidic or spicy foods
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Fizzy drinks
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Sugary foods and drinks
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Chocolate
To figure out what affects you personally, keep a food diary. This helps you spot your triggers without giving up all your favorite foods while adjusting your diet.
How to Deal with Urge Incontinence in Public?
Here are some practical tips to help you when going out with urge incontinence:
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Know where bathrooms are located before leaving home or ask when you arrive.
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Pack a discreet bag with your absorbent product and a change of clothing.
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Choose clothing wisely; dark pants, layered outfits, and patterns could help hide stains.
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Use calming strategies, like deep breathing, to manage sudden urges.
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Plan your route, or you could sit close to reach the bathroom quickly.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Urge Incontinence?
Urge incontinence could stir up a lot of emotions, especially anxiety. The good news is that you could regain bladder control with a few lifestyle changes. Here are some tips to get you started:23
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Ask your doctor for help to quit smoking, alcohol, or nicotine.
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Reduce caffeine gradually instead of cutting it out abruptly.
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Stay hydrated, drink enough water, and aim for light yellow pee.
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Time your medications; if you take diuretics, try taking them in the morning.
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Limit fluids to two to three hours before bedtime.
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Do Kegels to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
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Eat more fruit and vegetables to prevent constipation.
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Practice proper posture while peeing; sit up straight and avoid leaning forward.
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Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your bladder.
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Cut down on bladder irritants like acidic foods and carbonated drinks.
Coping with the Loss of Bladder Control
No matter the type of incontinence, it’s completely normal to feel embarrassed when leaks happen, especially in public or around others. You’re not alone; incontinence could affect anyone, and it’s okay to feel anxious or frustrated when it does.
The good news is that there are ways to regain your confidence and feel in control whenever it happens:
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Practice deep breathing to ease sudden panic or worry.
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Try mindfulness to help you stay present in the moment.
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Remind yourself that leaks are common and manageable.
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Lean on your support system; share your feelings with people you trust.
Also, when going out, preparing emotionally and socially could make a big difference:
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Plan your outings so bathroom access is easy.
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Pack a discreet bag with your incontinence products and a change of clothing.
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Choose clothing wisely, opt for items that are easy to remove.
First Response: Try Not to Panic
Staying calm in these moments may feel difficult at first, but with practice, it could become as easy as breathing. Accidents could still happen even when you’re fully prepared, and that’s okay. Your preparation will still pay off.
When accidental leaks occur away from home, here are some steps to handle them discreetly:
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Stay calm; panicking could make the situation feel worse than it seems.
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Take a deep breath and repeat a positive affirmation.
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Cover up the stain with a jacket or layers.
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Excuse yourself to a private room or bathroom.
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Clean up discreetly using wet wipes, or tissues.
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Change your incontinence products with a spare from your bag.
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Dispose of used products properly.
FAQS
Are Your Incontinence Symptoms Becoming Worse?
You might notice your incontinence symptoms getting worse after certain foods or drinks like coffee, acidic fruits, alcohol, or chocolate.12 These could irritate your bladder and trigger leaks.12
The good news is that avoiding these bladder irritants, along with a few lifestyle changes, could help you feel more comfortable and confident.23
Try:
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Limiting your fluid intake 2–3 hours before bed.
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Maintaining a good posture while you pee.
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Quitting smoking with your doctor’s help.
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Practice Kegels regularly to strengthen your pelvic floor.
Air Travel with Incontinence in the USA
Traveling with incontinence could feel stressful, but the good news is that you can still do it discreetly and comfortably. Here are some tips to help you feel more confident on your next trip:
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Know the location of the airport restrooms ahead of time
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Call your airline to ask if they can make any special provisions.
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Don’t hesitate to ask flight attendants for help if you need it.
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Pack a bag with all your incontinence essentials and keep it close by.
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Book a seat near the restroom for easy access.
What's Your Most Embarrassing Incontinence Moment?
Everyone has that one embarrassing moment they’ll never forget. Maybe it happened at work, on a trip, or while laughing too hard with friends.
In that moment, it could feel like you'd like the world to swallow you whole. But you’re not alone; it happens to more people than you think. What matters most is how you move on. Learn small ways to prepare, laugh it off, and remind yourself that one moment doesn’t define you.
References
- WebMD Editorial Contributors. Types of Urinary Incontinence [Internet]. WebMD. 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/types-of-urinary-incontinence
- Lugo T, Leslie SW, Mikes BA, Riggs J. Stress Urinary Incontinence [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK539769/
- Overactive Bladder [Internet]. ICS. 2025 [cited 2025 Sep 10]. Available from: https://www.ics.org/public/factsheets/overactivebladder
- How Overflow Incontinence Affects People Every Single Day | SPC [Internet]. Sydney Pelvic Clinic. 2022. Available from: https://www.sydneypelvicclinic.com.au/how-overflow-incontinence-affects-people-every-single-day/
- Welk B, Baverstock RJ. The management of mixed urinary incontinence in women. Canadian Urological Association Journal. 2017 Jun 13;11(6S2):121.
- Mayo Clinic. Urinary Incontinence - Symptoms and Causes [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2023. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808
- Fletcher J. Can a UTI cause incontinence? Symptoms and treatment [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2020. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/uti-and-incontinence
- Fields L. Is It a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)? What Women Should Know [Internet]. Yale Medicine. 2024. Available from: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/urinary-tract-infection-uti
- Nunez K. Are Constipation and Overactive Bladder Related Conditions? [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2022 [cited 2025 Oct 6]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/constipation-and-overactive-bladder#constipation
- Desert Sky Urology. Caffeine and Alcohol: How They Impact Incontinence - Desert Sky Urology [Internet]. Desert Sky Urology. 2023. Available from: https://desertskyurology.com/blog/caffeine-and-alcohol-how-they-impact-incontinence/
- Desert Sky Urology. Top 10 Foods That May Trigger Frequent Urination - Desert Sky Urology [Internet]. Desert Sky Urology. 2024. Available from: https://desertskyurology.com/blog/top-10-foods-that-may-trigger-frequent-urination/
- Carrane L. Struggling with Incontinence? 7 Foods and Drinks to Avoid - Neb Medical [Internet]. Neb Medical. 2023 [cited 2025 Oct 6]. Available from: https://www.nebmedical.com/blog/struggling-with-incontinence-7-foods-and-drinks-to-avoid/
- Rachel Reiff Ellis. Overactive Bladder: Foods and Drinks That Can Make It Worse [Internet]. WebMD. 2025. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/ss/slideshow-oab-food-drink-avoid
- Urology Specialists. Can Certain Foods Irritate Your Bladder? | Urology Specialists of the Carolinas [Internet]. Urology Specialists. 2023. Available from: https://urologyspecialistsnc.com/certain-foods-irritate-bladder/
- Medications that can cause urinary incontinence [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2019. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/bladder-and-bowel/medications-that-can-cause-urinary-incontinence
- Desert Sky Urology. Potential Complications of Enlarged Prostate and How to Prevent Them - Desert Sky Urology [Internet]. Desert Sky Urology. 2025 [cited 2025 Oct 6]. Available from: https://desertskyurology.com/blog/potential-complications-of-enlarged-prostate-and-how-to-prevent-them/
- WebMD Editorial Contributors. Prostate Cancer: Urinary Incontinence [Internet]. WebMD. WebMD; 2002. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/urinary-incontinence
- Marcin A. Pregnancy Incontinence: Why It Happens and What to Do [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2017. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/urinary-incontinence#causes
- WebMD Editorial Contributor. Incontinence During Pregnancy and After Childbirth [Internet]. WebMD. 2025. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/pregnancy
- Amy Rosenman, MD. Childbirth & Incontinence - Urogynecoloy & Pelvic Health | UCLA Health [Internet]. www.uclahealth.org. Available from: https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/womens-pelvic-health/patient-education/childbirth-incontinence
- Writer R. The Impact of Age-Related Changes on Bladder Control [Internet]. Bladder Centers of America. 2023. Available from: https://bladdercenter.com/the-impact-of-age-related-changes-on-urinary-incontinence/
- Holland K. Menopause and Urinary Incontinence [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2012. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/urinary-incontinence#causes
- WebMD Editorial Contributors. Urge Incontinence Tips [Internet]. WebMD. 2023. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/oab-tips
- DeMarinis M, Kaschak TR, Newman DK. Absorbent Products for Incontinence. Clinical Application of Urologic Catheters, Devices and Products. 2017 Dec 10;149–72.
- Prevention of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) & Bladder Health | NIDDK [Internet]. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 2021. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/prevention