Smiling man in his 60s on a sunny deck beside a pack of Caringly Pull-Ons, incontinence products for men
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Incontinence Products for Men: Pads, Guards, Pull-Ups and Slips Explained

Please note: this article is general information only and is not medical advice. If your leaks are new or getting worse, see your GP or a nurse continence specialist.

The short answer: For a few drips after you've been to the toilet, a male guard worn inside your normal briefs is usually enough. If leaks soak through a guard, step up to a larger pad for men or a pair of pull-ups. For heavy leaks, overnight use or bowel leakage, a full pull-up or an all-in-one slip gives the most protection. The right pick comes down to how much you leak, when it happens and how active you are.

Plenty of blokes put off buying continence products for months. Some fold toilet paper into their jocks. Others grab whatever is on the supermarket shelf, which is often a pad shaped for women, and then wonder why it slips and leaks by lunchtime.

If that sounds familiar, you're in good company. About 2 in 10 men in Australia experience incontinence, according to Continence Health Australia (formerly the Continence Foundation of Australia). Research shared by the foundation found that 57% of men with urinary incontinence had kept their accidents secret from the people closest to them.

This guide is for men who want to sort it out properly. We'll walk through the main male continence products, who each one suits, and how to get the absorbency and fit right the first time.

Why pads for men are shaped differently

Men and women leak in different places. Women's pads are long and narrow because leakage sits lower and further back. In men, urine comes out at the front, so pads for men are wider at the top, often cup or pocket shaped, and sit forward in the underwear.

A man wearing a women's pad usually ends up with leaks at the front or sides. Switching to a product built for male anatomy fixes a lot of “it doesn't hold anything” complaints on its own.

Your underwear matters too. Guards and pads need snug briefs or trunks to stay put. Loose boxer shorts give them nothing to sit against, so if boxers are all you wear, a pull-up is often the easier option.

Why men leak: the common types

Knowing which type of leakage you have helps you choose a product. It also gives your GP a head start on finding the cause.

Common types of incontinence in men
Type What it feels like Common causes in men
Stress incontinence Leaks when you cough, sneeze, lift or stand up Prostate surgery or radiotherapy, a weak pelvic floor
Urge incontinence A sudden, strong need to go, sometimes not making it in time Overactive bladder, enlarged prostate, nerve conditions
Overflow incontinence Frequent dribbling and a feeling the bladder never fully empties An enlarged prostate blocking the flow, some medicines, nerve damage
After-dribble A small leak a minute or two after you've zipped up Urine left behind in the urethra; more common in men
Functional incontinence You know you need to go but can't get there in time Arthritis, mobility problems, dementia

If you're leaking and also have trouble starting, a weak stream, burning, blood in your urine or you're up more than once a night to wee, book in with your GP. Those symptoms can point to a prostate or bladder problem that needs checking. Our guide to urinary incontinence vs overactive bladder explains the difference in more detail.

Types of incontinence products for men

Male guards (drips and light leaks)

A male guard, sometimes called a shield or pouch, is a small cup-shaped pad that sticks inside snug briefs. It's made for drips and small spurts: after-dribble, a leak when you cough, or a few drops on the way to the toilet.

  • Good for: light leaks, active men, wearing under work clothes
  • Watch out for: guards won't cope with a full bladder emptying, and they need close-fitting underwear

Male bladder control pads (light to moderate leaks)

Larger male incontinence pads cover more of the front and sit further underneath. Some wrap around like a pocket. These are usually what people mean when they search for mens urinary incontinence pads. They hold noticeably more than a guard but still stay discreet under trousers.

  • Good for: moderate daytime leaks, men in the weeks or months after prostate surgery, men who want to keep wearing their own underwear
  • Watch out for: if you're changing a soaked pad every couple of hours, it's time to move up a level

Pull-ups (moderate to heavy leaks)

Male incontinence pants, also called pull-ups, adult nappy pants or protective underwear, go on and off like normal undies. The absorbent core runs from front to back, and elastic leg cuffs help stop side leaks. Most have tear-away sides, so you can take them off without removing your shoes or trousers.

  • Good for: moderate to heavy bladder leaks, light bowel leaks, overnight, men who'd rather not fiddle with pads
  • Watch out for: sizing; a pull-up that's too big will leak at the legs (more on fit below)

Slips or all-in-ones (heavy leaks and assisted care)

Slips, also known as adult briefs or all-in-ones, open out flat and fasten at the sides with tabs. When people search for mens nappies, this is usually what they're after. Slips hold the most and can be put on lying down, which helps a lot when someone else is assisting with changes.

  • Good for: heavy or full bladder leakage, bowel incontinence, overnight, men with limited mobility or a carer
  • Watch out for: slips are bulkier than pull-ups, so they're not always the first choice for men who are up and about all day

Still weighing up the two? Our pull-ons vs slips guide compares them side by side.

Washable incontinence underwear

Reusable briefs with an absorbent panel sewn in. They look like ordinary undies, which is why they're popular among men shopping for mens incontinence underwear in Australia. Some men pair them with disposables, wearing washables at home and disposables when travelling.

  • Good for: drips and very light leaks
  • Watch out for: limited capacity, and you'll need several pairs to rotate through the wash

Other incontinence aids for men

Some men do better with a urinary sheath (a condom-style device that drains into a leg bag) or, for short periods, a penile clamp. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia notes clamps should only be used temporarily. Both need proper fitting, so talk to a continence nurse before trying either.

Quick comparison: which product suits which leak?

Here's how guards, pads, washables and incontinence pants for men stack up at a glance.

Male incontinence products compared, from light to heavy
Product Leak level Worn with Best for
Male guard Drips and dribbles Snug briefs After-dribble, light stress leaks
Pad for men Light to moderate Snug briefs or trunks Daytime leaks, early recovery after surgery
Washable underwear Very light On its own Home use, light drips
Pull-up Moderate to heavy On its own Day and night, active men, light bowel leaks
Slip (all-in-one) Heavy On its own Overnight, bowel leaks, assisted care

How to choose the right absorbency

Before you buy anything, watch your leaks for two or three days. Note roughly when they happen and how much comes out: a few drops, a damp patch, or enough to wet your clothes. That short record will steer you to the right level faster than guessing.

Once you're wearing something, these signs tell you whether to adjust:

  • Soaked every couple of hours: go up one level.
  • Barely damp at each change: try something lighter. It'll be more comfortable and cost less.
  • Leaks out the sides but the core isn't full: that's a fit problem, not an absorbency problem.
  • Dry by day but wet in the morning: keep your daytime product and use a heavier one overnight. Our post on managing night-time leaks has more tips.

Plenty of men end up using two products: something light for the day and something heavier for bed. That's normal, and it usually works out cheaper than wearing heavy protection around the clock.

Getting the fit right

Poor fit causes more leaks than low absorbency. With pull-ups and slips:

  1. Measure around your waist and hips with a soft tape and check the larger number against the size chart.
  2. If you're between sizes, try the smaller one first. Extra room leaves gaps at the leg openings.
  3. Pull the product up firmly so the core sits close to your body, then run a finger around the leg cuffs so they stand up instead of folding in.
  4. Point the penis downwards before pulling the product up, so urine flows into the core instead of out the top.

Urinary incontinence after prostate surgery: what to expect

Leakage after prostate surgery is one of the most common reasons men start using continence products. Once the catheter comes out, most men leak for a while, especially when they cough, stand up or lift something.

For many men it doesn't last. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia says incontinence after prostate cancer treatment typically improves within one to six months, although some men have longer-lasting leaks.

What tends to help:

  • Learning pelvic floor exercises with a pelvic health physiotherapist or continence nurse. Technique matters, and most men get it wrong on their own. If surgery is still ahead, ask your urologist about seeing a physio beforehand.
  • Wearing pull-ups for the first few weeks, when leaks are least predictable, then stepping down to pads for men and later to guards as control returns.
  • Keeping a couple of spares in the car or work bag so one bad day doesn't turn into a crisis.

Urinary incontinence treatment for men: where to get help

Products manage leaks, but they don't fix the cause. Many men improve a great deal with the right support, so it's worth raising with your GP. Depending on the cause, treatment might include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle training with a physio or continence nurse
  • Bladder training to stretch out the time between toilet trips
  • Medicines for an overactive bladder or an enlarged prostate
  • Procedures for men who still have significant leaks well after prostate surgery

For after-dribble, Continence Health Australia suggests a simple technique. When you've finished, press gently upwards and forwards on the soft area behind the scrotum to move leftover urine along, then shake or squeeze as usual. Sitting down to wee can also help the bladder empty fully.

You can also call the free National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm AEST/AEDT). Nurse continence specialists answer the calls, and they can talk you through products, treatment options and where to get samples.

Help with the cost of continence products

Products add up over a year, but you may not have to cover them all yourself.

Where Caringly fits in

Caringly was started by three healthcare professionals who worked in frontline care on the Central Coast. We make two styles of protection, and both are designed for men as well as women.

  • Supreme Pull-Ons: unisex pull-ups for moderate to heavy bladder leaks and everyday bowel incontinence, day or night. They held up to 2,200 mL in lab testing (XL size) and have leak-guard cuffs and a breathable outer layer.
  • Supreme Slips: wrap-around slips with adjustable tabs for heavier leaks, overnight and assisted care, tested to hold up to 3,100 mL.

We don't make guards or small pads. If your leaks are only light, a guard from your local chemist may suit you better for now. If you're unsure about size or absorbency, order a sample first. Your first order is also covered by our 60-Day Fit Promise, and everything ships in plain, unmarked packaging.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best pads for men?

The best pad for men is the one that matches your leak level and sits forward where men leak. Guards suit drips and after-dribble, larger male pads handle moderate leaks, and pull-ups or slips are better for heavy leaks and overnight use. Fit with your usual underwear matters as much as the brand.

Are men's nappies the same as adult diapers?

Yes, mostly. “Mens nappies” and “men's diapers” usually mean slips (all-in-ones with side tabs) or pull-ups. Most are unisex, so size and absorbency matter more than a “men's” label on the pack.

Can men use women's incontinence pads?

They can, but they often leak. Women's pads put most of the absorbency further back, while men leak at the front. Male guards and pads for men are shaped to catch urine where it actually comes out.

How do I stop dribbling after I wee?

Try the after-dribble technique: once you've finished, press gently upwards and forwards behind the scrotum, then shake as usual. Sitting to wee and doing pelvic floor exercises can also help. If it keeps happening or comes with other symptoms, see your GP.

How long does incontinence last after prostate surgery?

For many men, leakage improves within one to six months, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Some men have leaks for longer. Pelvic floor training with a physio or continence nurse usually speeds up recovery.

Are pull-ups or pads better for men?

Pads are more discreet for light to moderate leaks if you wear snug briefs. Pull-ups are better for heavier or unpredictable leaks, overnight use and men who prefer boxers. Many men use pads by day and pull-ups at night.

Can I get incontinence products for men funded in Australia?

Often, yes. Eligible people can get up to $739.40 for 2026–27 through the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS). NDIS participants can use consumables funding, and older Australians may get products through Support at Home.

Can I wear incontinence pants under normal clothes?

Yes. Modern pull-ups are thin enough to wear under jeans, work trousers or shorts without showing, as long as the size is right. A pull-up that's too big bunches up and is more likely to be noticed.

Disclaimer

This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Everyone's situation is different, so talk to your GP, urologist, pelvic health physiotherapist or a nurse continence specialist about your symptoms. Funding amounts and rules can change; check current details with Services Australia, the NDIS or My Aged Care.

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