Urinary incontinence (UI)—that is, when someone experiences leakage they can’t control—is far more common than most people realize. Between one-quarter and nearly half of all women will deal with it at some point in their lives. In the United States alone, around 13 million adults live with UI.
Despite being widespread, UI is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Too many people find that the solutions available to them don’t meet their needs, such as products that don’t fit, leak too often or cause skin irritation.
For those running homecare agencies, independent pharmacies or other services, it’s important to be aware that urinary incontinence is more than just a private health matter—it’s something that can affect a person’s safety, well-being and independence.
Understanding the basics can help you and your teams make better decisions about the types of products, education and care strategies that really make a difference for your clientele and their families.
Who Is Affected?
UI is not just a patient problem; it ripples across families and care networks.
- Individuals managing UI firsthand: Leakage can feel isolating or embarrassing, especially when odor or accidents affect relationships. People want solutions that provide comfort, confidence and discretion—something that blends into everyday life rather than becoming the focus.
- Caregivers: From family members to home health aides and professional staff, caregivers juggle compassion with practicality. Family caregivers may struggle with guilt or burnout, while professionals often feel rushed or undertrained and as if they are compensating for poor product design. What they want most is to feel capable and supported in their role.
- Health care providers: Doctors, nurses and other clinicians are the ones prescribing or recommending continence solutions. They need products that perform reliably, improve outcomes and are straightforward to explain and implement. Clinical effectiveness matters—not only in reducing symptoms but also in helping patients avoid complications and unnecessary follow-up visits. The right solutions make it easier for providers to deliver lasting care, empowering patients to manage their incontinence independently at home.
Recognizing this wider circle helps explain why reliable, dignified management strategies are so essential.
From Struggle to Solutions
For many women, UI is more than just a laundry problem. It can disrupt sleep, increase the risk of falls and even affect a person’s mood. Yet only about one in four women with UI ever seek professional help, and fewer still receive the treatment they need.
In practice, many people start by trying to manage symptoms on their own, turning to the over-the-counter (OTC) products available today. While the range is still narrow, the fact that these solutions exist shows that individuals are actively looking for ways to take control of their condition.
For providers, this creates a valuable entry point for conversation. By recognizing the steps individuals are already taking to manage their condition, pharmacies and homecare teams can offer guidance, recommend suitable products and support patients if more advanced care is needed. In this way, OTC solutions can serve as both a first step in management and a bridge to professional care.
The First Steps: Managing Without Surgery
Most people start with noninvasive approaches, such as:
- Training the bladder through scheduled trips to the bathroom
- Doing pelvic floor exercises
- Adjusting fluid, caffeine and alcohol intake
- Using absorbent pads or briefs for protection
These measures can be effective, but they work best with ongoing support and encouragement—something homecare teams and pharmacies are perfectly placed to offer.
The Catheter Question
Sometimes, especially in hospital or high-care settings, an indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) may be used. While this type of catheter can help manage incontinence or track urine output, it comes with a major drawback: a high risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The longer the catheter stays in, the higher the risk—jumping by several percentage points each day.
The takeaway? Use indwelling catheters only when absolutely necessary, and remove them as soon
as possible.
Leakage Can Cause Skin Trouble
Without a catheter, some people experience more skin irritation, known as incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). This can cause pain, itching and a higher risk of infections and pressure injuries. Prevention strategies such as cleansing, barrier creams and frequent checks are essential, but they take time and consistency from already busy caregivers.
A Newer Option: External Urinary Collection Devices
For years, male patients have had access to external urine collection devices (EUCDs). Now, similar solutions designed specifically for women are becoming available. These devices sit outside the body and draw urine away from the skin into a container, helping to reduce moisture and improve comfort.
Currently, there are only a handful on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Some may be easier to position, others more comfortable for longer wear and some designed with better skin protection. What’s clear is that users and their caregivers would benefit from more choice and further improvements in design, comfort and ease of use. Ideally, future options should be easy to understand and operate, simple to position and affordable enough to be accessible to the people who need them most.
Providers are interested in EUCDs because:
- They offer a noninvasive alternative to catheters.
- They may improve comfort and dignity for some users.
- They provide another option for those who don’t respond well to other methods.
Considerations for EUCDs include:
- Skin health matters: Softer materials can help reduce irritation and protect fragile skin.
- Fit and comfort vary: Products may perform differently depending on sleeping position and preference—encourage patients to try a few options to find the best fit.
- Affordability counts: Help patients explore cost-effective options to make long-term management more sustainable.
As with any solution, good education and training—for both caregivers and users—are essential.
Education Makes the Difference
Whatever strategy is chosen—from lifestyle changes to absorbent products, catheters or newer devices—education is the common thread. Providers and pharmacies can play an important role by:
- Teaching hygiene and skin care routines
- Explaining how and when to replace products or devices
- Helping caregivers recognize early warning signs of infection or irritation
- Encouraging open, stigma-free conversations about UI
When people feel supported and informed, they’re more likely to manage UI with confidence—and with less disruption to daily life.
In Conclusion
With reliable tools, practical education and compassionate support, what often feels like a silent struggle can become a more manageable—and more human—part of care.