Can You Use Bladder Pads for Periods?

Are bladder pads the same as period pads? Discover the truth about using ladies’ incontinence pads.

Are Bladder Pads the Same as Period Pads?

Using the wrong bladder control pad or improvising with period pads can lead to feelings of fear and anxiety. This is because you’re not getting the protection and reassurance you need. While period pads work for menstruation, they are not suitable for incontinence which can lead to leaks, lingering odours and even skin irritation. TENA provides a range of pads for women to prevent these issues and protect you from any kind of bladder leakage. Our best incontinence pads for discretion are TENA Discreet, which provide protection from leaks, odour and moisture, all in a thin profile designed specifically for women.

We’re told bladder leaks mean decline; fear; shame; and weakness.

• More than 4 in 5 women who have stayed silent about bladder leaks due to fear or shame. 

• 1 in 3 women would rather suffer in silence than seek help. 

• 57% of women have used the wrong products due to embarrassment. *

It’s time for this to change. Women are held to unrealistic standards and society has made us believe that bladder leaks are something to be ashamed of. But with the right protection you can live with confidence and control.

It's time to change how the world sees bladder leaks.

What Are the Best Incontinence Pads for Women?

The best incontinence pads are designed to give you total peace of mind, whether you experience a few drops here and there or larger leaks. Our range of incontinence pads for women provide this by quickly absorbing and locking in leaks and odours.

Are Bladder Pads the Same as Period Pads?

While they seem similar, bladder pads (or incontinence pads) are different to period pads in several ways. These include:

1. Absorption Levels

TENA pads for women are designed to absorb urine quickly. Bladder pads capture and absorb leaks much faster than period pads and have a greater capacity to absorb. Period pads are not made to handle significant levels of moisture and quickly get overwhelmed, increasing the risk of leaks as well as discomfort and skin irritation in intimate areas.

2. Odour Control

Our pads, such as TENA Discreet, feature our odour control technology, neutralising and preventing ammonia-based odours.

3. Shape

Incontinence pads are contoured to hug your body comfortably and contain bladder leaks effectively. TENA incontinence pads come in a range of different sizes and designs to handle various levels of leakage, but all our pads for women absorb moisture while staying dry against your skin to keep you comfortable.

Can You Use Bladder Pads for Periods?

While you can’t rely on period pads to handle bladder leaks, bladder pads can be used for periods if needed. However, using the correct product such as Bodyform is the best way to manage menstruation. Period pads are designed specifically to handle blood which is thicker than urine. If in doubt, use the right tool for the job for your peace of mind and comfort. You deserve it.

What is the Difference Between Incontinence pads and Period Pads?

There are several key differences between incontinence pads and period pads.

• TENA incontinence pads are made to manage thin, fast-flowing urine that can appear suddenly and in significant amounts. Period pads are made to absorb blood which is thicker and appears more gradually.

• Period pads do not use odour neutralising technology, whereas TENA pads for women help control odours to keep you comfortable and carefree.

• TENA incontinence pads are designed to hug your body and control urine leaks to capture moisture and prevent leakage. Period pads are usually flat and not designed to capture and control urine.

Whether you are experiencing urine leaks or menstruation, TENA has you covered with a wide range of pads to keep you comfortable and in control. To find the right product for you try our product selector tool to get the protection you need.

You might think TENA is bulky

Discover our incredibly thin protection.

Thin and discreet

TENA pads are designed for thinness and discretion, so they’re way thinner than you’d expect, especially when you see how much they absorb. Get the protection you need with worrying about discretion.

Superior dryness

TENA pads are full of super absorbent polymers, which are like tiny beads that expand and turn into gel when fluid touches them. They keep the wee locked away so it doesn’t resurface, meaning the pad stays dry for up to 12 hours.

Fast absorption

TENA pads absorb urine much faster, keeping you clean and fresh. This is because the top sheet and distribution layers are specifically designed for the rapid flow of wee, whereas period pads feature an open design for thick flows, like blood.

Odour control

TENA pads also take care of the bad odour that comes with wee. The beads in the pads prevent the development of ammonia, so that bacteria doesn’t grow and the pads stay feeling fresh.