How Many Incontinence Pads Per Day Is Normal?

Most people with incontinence normally use 4–6 incontinence pads a day on average. However, there is no one “normal” amount. The number of pads you need depends on various factors, including the type and level of incontinence, lifestyle, and personal comfort. This post will help you determine what’s right for your needs and offer solutions to reduce pad changes and leaks where possible. Our focus is on finding what feels comfortable for you and meets your unique needs.

Weakened pelvic muscles can contribute to incontinence and more frequent leaks. Strengthening these muscles can help improve bladder control. Secret whispers kegel exercise kit can help improve your bladder control.We also have a private facebook group you can join full of supportive women who dace the same challenges!

Light, Moderate, or Heavy Incontinence

The number of pads needed daily generally depends on the severity of incontinence. Here’s a breakdown of general recommendations:

Light Incontinence:

Those with light incontinence often find that one or two pads a day is sufficient. You may have very rare leaks, and wear a pad just in case.

Moderate Incontinence:

For moderate incontinence, two to four pads may be more appropriate. You may leak small amounts when you laugh, cough or sneeze.

Heavy Incontinence:

Individuals with heavy incontinence may use four or more pads per day. You may find you can't control your bladder when you feel the urge to go.

If you find yourself needing to change your pad frequently, it could indicate that a higher absorbency level may be more suitable. Using the right level of absorbency can help you stay comfortable for longer periods, help you to avoid leaks and reduce the number of pad changes.

Causes of Frequent Pad Changes

There are several reasons why you might find yourself changing pads more frequently. Here are some common causes of frequent pad changes:

Incorrect Absorbency Level:

Using a pad that doesn’t match your incontinence level can lead to more frequent leaks. Switching to a higher absorbency level may reduce the need for multiple changes.

Wrong Pad Size:

Pads that don’t fit properly can cause discomfort, leakage, and the need for more frequent changes. Make sure the pad fits your body comfortably and securely.

Dehydration:

Ironically, not drinking enough water can lead to more frequent urinary leaks, as concentrated urine can irritate the bladder. Drinking adequate water helps keep urine diluted, reducing bladder irritation.

High Fluid Intake:

Conversely, excessive fluid intake can result in a sudden urge to urinate. Tracking and balancing fluid intake can help manage incontinence more effectively.

Dietary Triggers:

Certain foods and drinks, like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, can irritate the bladder, increasing the need to urinate. Limiting these triggers may help.

Physical Activity Levels:

High levels of physical activity can sometimes lead to leaks, especially with strenuous bouncy exercises that put pressure on the bladder. Opting for pads designed for active use may help.

Medications:

Some medications, like diuretics, increase urination. If you’re on medication that impacts bladder control, talk to your doctor about managing incontinence alongside your treatment.

Underlying Health Conditions:

Health conditions such as diabetes or bladder infections can lead to more frequent urination. Addressing these conditions may help manage incontinence better.

Sleeping Patterns:

If you wake up often during the night, you may need to change pads frequently. Higher absorbency products designed for overnight use can help you stay comfortable longer.

Tips for Reducing Pad Changes

Here are some practical tips for reducing pad changes:

Use reusable incontinence pads or pants!

You won't be worried about wasting pads if you can just wear, rinse, wash and wear again. Washable incontinence pads are soft and comfortable to wear, make no rustling noises, leave no chemicals next to your skin - just bamboo, cotton or fleece - and you will save money in the long run. Our happiness guarantee allows you to buy one pad to try, if you find you don't get on with it, let us know and we can refund you.

Reusable period pants all work well for mild to moderate incontinence too.

"Sporty Teenage Period Pants work as Incontinence Pants too! I bought a set of the 'Sporty Teenage Period Pants' to use as incontinence pants. With a full front and back absorbent panel they are perfect even for this 53yr old lady with a few leaky problems! I found the NHS B&B pants so awful and unsexy that I couldn't bring myself to wear them so looked for other options.

I am really chuffed to have found these on Cheeky Wipes. Thank you so much for this excellent product and at a very reasonable price, along with your excellent and responsive customer service 🙏😊" Loz - Oct, 24 Trustpilot

Use Higher Absorbency Pads at Night

Using a higher absorbency pad for nighttime can help reduce the number of changes needed and allow for uninterrupted sleep. Night pads are designed to provide extended protection, absorbing more liquid than daytime pads, which is especially helpful for heavy incontinence.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking little and often throughout the day (but limiting fluids close to bedtime) helps maintain healthy bladder function and can reduce leakage.

Stick to a Bathroom Schedule

Setting regular times to go to the toilet can help manage incontinence and reduce pad changes. Try going to the loo every two hours, gradually increasing the interval over time to improve bladder control. Sticking to a schedule may help you avoid unnecessary pad changes and give you more control over your symptoms.

Choose the Right Pad Size and Absorbency Level

Using the correct size and absorbency level for your specific needs can reduce the need for frequent changes. If you’re currently using multiple pads per day, consider switching to a higher absorbency option to stay dry longer. Test different brands and styles to find the best fit for your comfort and activity level.

Limit Bladder Irritants in Your Diet

Certain foods and drinks, like caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, and spicy foods, can irritate the bladder. By limiting these irritants, you may experience fewer leaks and a reduced need for pad changes. Adopting a bladder-friendly diet can be especially helpful in managing incontinence.

Try Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help improve bladder control. Exercises like Kegels target the muscles responsible for controlling urination. Regular practice can lead to better bladder strength, potentially reducing leakage and the frequency of pad changes. Our secret whispers can teach you how to do your pelvic floor exercises correctly.

By choosing the right absorbency level, staying hydrated, and incorporating simple lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce the number of pad changes and stay comfortable. For more guidance on managing incontinence, check out our other blog posts - 

Incontinence pants V's pads

Can you use incontinence pants for periods?

Ultimate guide to swimming with incontinence

We’d love to help you find the products and strategies that work best for you. And if you have your own tips or questions, feel free to share them in the comments below!

Contact us if you want to more information about switching to reusable pee and period products. You can drop an email over or use the online chat. We all use the products ourselves and nothing is TMI. We all happily overshare our own experiences.

About the Author: Kirstin loves sea swimming and lives with her three children by the seaside. On the Cheeky Wipes customer service team she spends most days talking about periods, poo, and pee.