Always Discreet Incontinence Pads vs. Menstrual Pads

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# Incontinence Pads vs. Menstrual Pads

Which one do you use for bladder leaks vs. your period? It's a common question and if you're one of the many women walking down the feminine care aisle wondering which pad or product to choose, we're here to help simplify it for you. 

We know it can be confusing. Many women who are experiencing bladder leaks are completely unaware that they're using the wrong product to manage their incontinence. We want to help change that.

__Incontinence pads or bladder control pads__ are super absorbent pads designed to help protect against bladder leaks with added technology to help control urine odors and protect the skin. Incontinence comes with different types of fluids and odors than menstruation. That’s why Always Discreet incontinence pads can deal with them in a way that a period pad just can’t! Bladder control pads come in various sizes and absorbency levels. Use our [incontinence products selector](/en-us/product-selector) to find the right size and fluid absorbency for you. 

__Menstrual pads, also known as period pads or sanitary pads__ are not designed to absorb urine. They are made to absorb the flow of blood and are often used by women who are menstruating, experiencing [post-partum bleeding,](/en-us/incontinence-advice-support/postpartum-bleeding-stages) recovering from vaginal surgery, etc. Similar to incontinence pads, [menstrual pads come in different sizes and period absorbency levels,](https://always.com/en-us/best-menstrual-pad-sizing-quiz) from light to super absorbent. 

Keep reading for a breakdown of the major differences between incontinence pads and menstrual pads. 


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## Incontinence Pads Have More Absorbency Than Menstrual Pads

Incontinence pads can absorb fluid more quickly, making them a great solution for bladder leakage. Always Discreet incontinence pads can hold as much as 4x more fluid* than period pads of similar size and are ideal for bladder control. This means you can stay better protected with incontinence pads and you may not need to change the pads as often!

Speaking of changing pads, it is recommended that you change the incontinence pad before it becomes too wet to avoid urine leakages, and to protect against skin irritants and unwanted odors. If you are wearing an incontinence pad through the night, you should change the pad first thing when you wake up in the morning.

**vs. leading menstrual pad of similar length*

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## Incontinence Pads Stop Leaks Where They Happen Most

While menstrual pads have wings on the outer sides that help keep the pad in place and prevent leaks, Always Discreet’s incontinence pads have full-length Dual LeakGuard™ barriers that help stop leaks where they happen the most: at the legs. The Double LeakGuards™ also help keep moisture away from the skin. 

Odor Protection: Period Pad vs. Always Discreet Bladder Control Pads

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## Incontinence Pads Have Odor Protection, Menstrual Pads Don't

Always Discreet’s OdorLock™ technology helps trap and neutralize the odors specific to urine to help keep you feeling fresh all day. That's something a menstrual pad doesn't have. Learn more about  [Always Discreet odors, perfumes and allergies.](/en-us/incontinence-advice-support/odors-perfumes-allergies-and-sensitive-skin/)

Now that you know the difference between a menstrual pad and an incontinence pad, use the links below to find the best menstrual or incontinence products for you based on the type of leakage you experience, as well as the size and absorbency needs.

[Shop Incontinence Pads](/en-us/incontinence-products/liners-and-pads)

[Shop all Incontinence Products](/en-us/incontinence-products)

[Shop Menstrual Pads](https://always.com/en-us/shop-products/menstrual-pads)


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Incontinence Pads vs. Menstrual Pads

Do you need an incontinence pad or a menstrual pad? Learn the difference between the two, and why a menstrual pad is not recommended for bladder control. 