A Beginner’s Guide To Shopping The Incontinence Section At Walgreens

Ever sneezed so hard you peed a little? (Been there, done that.) Whether you’re newly postpartum, recovering from a persistent UTI, or have an overactive bladder, you may deal with pee leakage, or urinary incontinence, from time to time — yep, even as early as your 20s.

Beyond feeling physically uncomfortable, random bladder leaks can mess with you mentally, too. Feeling anxious about peeing your pants (even just a little) can prevent you from putting yourself out there in social situations, “especially if you know a bathroom won’t be easily accessible,” says Christie Cobb, M.D., FACOG, a board-certified OB-GYN in Little Rock, Arkansas.

That’s why Walgreens has an extensive line-up of products dedicated to easing that stress: Your life shouldn’t screech to a halt because you’re worrying about when your bladder may betray you next. The drips and dribbles can be managed with a mix of lifestyle changes and medical treatments, so you can move through your day-to-day with confidence, Dr. Cobb says.

Keep reading to learn her expert intel on how incontinence can affect your life, options for keeping the leakage in check, and why Walgreens is your destination for personal care and women’s well-being needs, including the trusted Always Discreet Adult Incontinence Pads (thank us later!).

What Does ‘Incontinence’ Really Mean?

Good question. In its simplest definition, incontinence is “the inability to control the flow of urine from your bladder,” Dr. Cobb tells Bustle. She also explains that there are two main types of urinary incontinence.

The first is stress incontinence, which is pee leakage that happens during activities like running, coughing, sneezing, or laughing that require physical exertion or increase your abdominal pressure. Then there’s urge incontinence (aka overactive bladder), which is “the sudden need to urinate, and sometimes the inability to hold the urine before getting to the restroom,” Dr. Cobb says. She adds that it’s also possible to have a mix of both types, or a rarer form called overflow incontinence (when your bladder doesn’t empty and your pee consistently drips and trickles).

Living with incontinence may look like rushing to the bathroom and peeing a bit before you make it to the toilet, or it could feel like a sense of embarrassment that stops you from going about your everyday life. “Physically, incontinence can cause rashes and chafing from chronic wetness, as well as limit physical activity,” Dr. Cobb notes.

What Causes Incontinence?

These leaks can happen for a bunch of reasons, but she points to multiple pregnancies and births, having a higher weight, smoking tobacco, menopause, and aging as risk factors to be aware of. Anything that causes weakened pelvic muscles can trigger leaks, too.

What Are The Best Pads For Bladder Leaks?

Dr. Cobb recommends looking for an incontinence pad with three key qualities: a higher absorbency (consider the volume it holds as well as the speed at which liquid is absorbed), a secure fit that feels comfortable and discreet under clothing, and a design that seals away moisture so the pad doesn’t chafe your skin.

The Always Discreet Adult Incontinence Pads, conveniently available at Walgreens, check every box. The pad has rapid-dry technology that absorbs up to five times the liquid of an average bladder leak in seconds, giving you up to 100% protection without the bulk. There are also LeakGuards along its edges to keep moisture well contained.

It’s thin and flexible, so it molds to your natural shape (a size 4 is a middle-road starting point, but Always offers incontinence pads in various sizes at Walgreens, so you can choose a lighter or higher absorbency option depending on your needs). It’s also breathable and locks away odor — a bonus when bladder leaks happen regularly. As Dr. Cobb puts it, it’s just one more tool that can help you “feel free, active, and confident” again.

Can I Stop My Bladder Leaks For Good?

The word “cure” can be misleading because even if your symptoms improve or go away for a while, there’s always a chance your bladder may act up again in the future. The good news, according to Dr. Cobb, is that incontinence is super treatable.

What’s The Best Way To Deal With Bladder Leaks At Home?

Depending on the type you have, “symptoms may be successfully managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, physical therapy, or surgery,” Dr. Cobb says. Stress incontinence is the most common type in younger women; in this case, physical therapy to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles can be really helpful.

After you speak with a doctor — ideally an OB-GYN, urologist, or urogynecologist — about your symptoms, they’ll tailor your treatment regimen and likely recommend peeing at regular intervals, drinking less fluid at nighttime, and cutting out alcohol and caffeine.

Then, you’ll want to head to your local Walgreens (or take advantage of its same-day delivery option) to stock up on reinforcements: “Wearing protective hygiene products can decrease the risk of leaking through your clothes,” Dr. Cobbs says. “Pads that are designed to collect and lock in urine often have a higher absorbency than menstrual pads.”

To learn more about the different products offered by Always Discreet — including different sizes to meet your needs — check out your local Walgreens or click here to search online.

Expert: Christie Cobb, M.D., FACOG, board-certified OB-GYN