Urinary incontinence is pretty common, but managing it can still surprise you with the price tag-especially if you're relying on disposable products every day. Pads, spare underwear, laundry, and the occasional outfit change can really add up, even with mild leaks.
The good news: there are simple, practical ways to manage mild incontinence that save you money and stress over time. Here are five approaches to cut costs without sacrificing comfort or confidence.
1. Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor
Your pelvic floor muscles play a big role in bladder control. When they're weak or not activating properly, even a light sneeze or a short jog can cause a leak.
Daily pelvic floor exercises (think Kegels) can improve control and cut symptoms-and the best part? They're free. Do them at home, at your desk, or even in line at the grocery store. If you want extra support, consider a pelvic floor physiotherapist for personalized guidance and quicker results.
Savings tip: Building up your pelvic floor now can help you avoid relying on pads or moving to pricier treatments later.
2. Make Small Lifestyle Adjustments
Some everyday habits can make bladder leaks worse without you noticing.
Easy tweaks to try:
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, since both can irritate the bladder and boost urgency.
- Space out fluid intake-sip water steadily throughout the day instead of chugging large amounts at once.
- Try bladder training-gradually extending the time between toilet visits to retrain your bladder and reduce frequency.
These changes cost nothing, but they can noticeably reduce leaks and the money you spend managing them.
3. Switch to a Reusable Device Like Coo-Wee
Pads might seem like the simplest fix, but they add up fast-often around $300-$400 a year for many women.
Coo-Wee is a reusable internal support that helps prevent leaks from movement or activity. It's discreet, comfortable, and washable, which can lessen or even wipe out your daily pad use.
At $90-$150 per year, it's one of the most cost-effective incontinence tools out there, especially for mild stress incontinence.
4. Use Absorbent Underwear Strategically
Absorbent underwear works well on heavier days or when you're trying out a new approach (like getting back into workouts). But using it every day "just in case" can get pricey.
Save them for:
- Travel days
- Events or outings
- Workouts
- Times you're still adjusting to new management methods
Pair occasional use of absorbent underwear with pelvic floor strengthening or with an internal aid like Coo-Wee to cut how often you need them-and how much you spend.
5. Plan Ahead to Avoid "Panic Buys"
If you rely on disposable products, buying in bulk-online or from medical suppliers-can dramatically reduce the per-unit cost. Even better, having a plan with your preferred tools means fewer last-minute dashes to the pharmacy and less money wasted on overpriced emergency supplies.
Taking a little time now to explore options (including reusable ones) helps you sidestep the costly "patch and panic" routine in the long run.
Take Our Quiz to See If Coo-Wee Could Help Reduce Your Day-to-Day Costs
https://coowee.me/tools/perfect-product-finder/which-coo-wee-for-me#/
Managing mild incontinence doesn't have to be expensive or frustrating. Small changes, smarter tools, and a bit of upfront planning can make a big difference.
If you're curious whether Coo-Wee might fit your body and lifestyle, take our quick quiz to find your best option. It only takes a few minutes, and it could save you hundreds a year-and help you feel more in control, too.
