Guy Pads: Straight Talk About Leaks, Size and Protection
NorthShore is introducing a new blog section, 'Customer Corner,' a page where customers can offer their own perspective, advice and experiences. This is the first article, written by NorthShore Customer Bill Edwards (pseudonym used for author privacy).
Guys, let's talk about protection. This may get a little uncomfortable, but I want to be frank and have a no-holds-barred conversation, guy to guy, about leaks and what you can do about them. This will contain actual anatomic names, but nothing you haven't seen before.
As we age, we become more prone to leaks, whether due to weakened muscles or a pesky prostate. Been there, leaked on that.
The first thing you should do is talk to your doctor and find out what treatments are available to you. But if it turns out that you need an absorbent product to keep your pants, chairs and bed dry, then, let's talk about the types of men's incontinence products to keep in mind.
When it comes to incontinence, men and women have different needs. I know this sounds obvious, but bear with me for a minute. While women are more prone to stress incontinence, they do have two advantages:
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Their urethras are all pretty much in the same spot
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They don't move around, which makes capturing leaks a bit easier
The location of men's urethras, thanks to penises (there's one of those anatomical names I warned you about) that come in a wide range of sizes, can be up, down, on one side or another, and can be a constantly moving target. That can make finding the right protection difficult. But with a little work, it can be done.
Full Coverage
Believe it or not, the length of your penis can make a difference when finding the right incontinence protection, because the longer it is, the more "travel" it can have as you move. And we all know they can have a mind of their own.
Thankfully, male incontinence pads come in a variety of sizes:
Something like the NorthShore DoubleStop Male Guard is a bit wider at the top, where the head of your penis is, and narrows toward the crotch. NorthShore's Marketing team says these pads have "A triangular shape with dual-core provides masculine coverage where it is needed most." That's layman's terms for they're long enough to cover the tip of your penis and gently cup your testicles, and wick moisture away from ground zero. For light leaks, these can offer reliable all-day protection. 
Also, unlike most generic and even national brands, DoubleStop features "standing leak guards" which are soft elasticized barriers that prevent leakage. As with all pads, they should be used with snug-fitting underwear that keeps the pad close to your body.
Dimensions: Front 3.5 x Back 4.5. x Full 10.5 in.
Absorbent Capacity: Up to 12 oz.
Wider Coverage
NorthShore DoubleStop XL is just about the same length as the DoubleStop, but is considerably wider at the top, for those of us who need a little more "room to roam." You'll also notice that these are rated to hold more, so they offer protection longer, meaning both better protection and fewer changes.
Like the DoubleStop, DoubleStop XL features standing leak guards that keep larger leaks and your penis where they belong: on the pad.
Dimensions: Front 3 x Back 7.5 x Full 10 inches.
Absorbent Capacity: Up to 16 oz.
Longer Length
If a standard guard just isn't giving you coverage everywhere you need it, you might need a product that's both wider and longer like the NorthShore DynaDry Supreme Liner, which comes in four different sizes, ranging from 9 to 15 inches wide and up to 27 inches long!
The width is perfect for those of us who are active and who never know where that spot or leak will happen. No matter how far your penis may roam, the DynaDry Supreme pads will be there.
You may be wondering why anyone might need a pad as long as these are. First, they're perfect for anyone who experiences heavier urinary incontinence as well as bowel leakage. Longer pads may also have a greater capacity to wick wetness away from the skin and keep you drier and feeling more confident. Their adhesive strip, located on the back, helps the pad stay secure in underwear.
Why not just go with a "tabbed brief" or protective underwear? Large pads like DynaDry, unlike adult diapers, let your skin breathe, keep you cooler in warm weather, and offer outstanding protection that still lets you use a urinal or toilet whenever you need to.
Sizes/Dimensions/Absorbency:
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Medium: 9" x 17", up to 17 oz.
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Large: 9" x 19", up to 19 oz.
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X-Large: 13" x 25", up to 24 oz.
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2XL: 15" x 27", up to 32 oz.
I've never been one to blow smoke, and I'm too old to stop now: leaks suck. But if you choose the right product—pads or briefs—it doesn't have to change how you live your life. Honest.
If you're not sure what product is right for you, call or email NorthShore. They can help you find protection with the right comfort and fit and point you in the direction of resources that can help you live your best life.
Some years ago (I decline to say how many), life threw me a curveball and I found myself facing some new and frightening challenges, and having to navigate the confusing world of incontinence products alone. This was pre-internet and, frankly, pre-decent options. Through constant experimentation, I’ve found products that work for me—yes, many of which are sold by NorthShore Care—but the more important part of my journey has been internal. I’ve fought insecurity, isolation, paranoia that EVERYONE was staring at my butt, and fear that I’d never be able to return to the rich, full life I once had. I’m happy to say all of that was unfounded.
Part of the work I did to understand and accept myself included reading. A LOT of reading. I found articles that explained the different kinds of incontinence, blog posts about the various products that were available, and even pamphlets for drugs that offered to solve my problem. What I couldn’t find was practical guidance on and honest thoughts about living with this embarrassing, confusing, and occasionally hilarious new “feature” my body had to offer.
NorthShore gets it, and that’s why I’m here. NorthShore isn’t just a business that sells incontinence supplies, it’s a business built on a foundation of understanding of what you and I are dealing with every day.
I don’t work for NorthShore (would it be too cheesy to say I work for you?) but this feels like the right place for a blog that addresses real-world issues around incontinence. Here I’ll talk candidly, openly, and occasionally uncomfortably about the challenges we face, the products that can help us manage those challenges, and how to go about confidently getting on with our lives.
Let’s get real.
—Bill Edwards
Regardless of capacity, an absorbent product must be changed immediately following a bowel movement.