Best Way to Choose Male
Guards

Posted by Brianna Maguire on Nov 13th 2020

Need light incontinence protection but not quite ready for a pull-up or diaper with tabs? Men's guards are the perfect solution for light incontinence protection, designed specifically for men. Shaped to fit male anatomy, these form-fitting incontinence products keep you dry, confident, and leak-free.

Whether you're struggling with urinary incontinence, bladder control, or post-prostate surgery issues, men's guards can protect your clothing and prevent any leaks. Comfortable and non-bulky, these are worn inside existing underwear to give you a little boost of protection.

What are male guards?

Many men don’t even realize that male incontinence products are an option, but male incontinence pads called “male guards” offer an absorbent solution for bladder leakage. Shaped to fit over male anatomy, these stick inside of underwear and absorb moisture. For men that are uncomfortable wearing pull-ups and diapers, these offer an odor-free, comfortable, and very discreet option.

Who should use male guards?

Men’s guards are ideal for men who:

Experience "dribbling"
Have light to moderate urinary incontinence
Are recovering from surgery or have prostate concerns
Are relatively active and mobile
Want more breathability than pull-ups or tab-style diapers provide

Who shouldn't use them?

Men’s guards are not a good choice for:

Women
Those with heavy incontinence concerns, or those with bowel incontinence
Those looking for protection that covers their belly and back

How do they work?

Since male guards are cupped around the penis, urinary incontinence is trapped as soon as it happens. Tiny absorbent beads called polymers soak up all the moisture, turn it into a gel, and pull it away from skin, so your skin and clothes stay dry. Since the guard only covers part of the skin, you can experience freedom from the skin irritation that protective underwear or diapers with tabs can sometimes cause.

How to put on a male guard

Remove the adhesive strip on the back
Secure the guard to your underwear, with the wide part in the front
If you’re a side sleeper or the penis tends to angle one way or another, you can place the guard wherever you seem to need the most protection

What features exist?

Range of Thickness

Men’s guards come in different thicknesses and absorbencies. Typically, the bulkier the pad is, the more absorbent it will be. If you need a higher absorbency, go for a bulkier guard.

If you’re looking for a more discreet option, go with a thinner guard. Keep in mind, however, that men’s guards are some of our most discreet options, so you can feel confident no matter where you go.

Adhesive backing

All of our men’s guards feature an adhesive backing that attaches to underwear. Because these are attached to underwear and cupped around the penis, male guards move with you, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping off.

Leg gathers

Some male guards feature inner leg cuffs, also called “leg gathers” or “leg guards.” These are strips of fabric that run along the guard and ensures that incontinence stays in the pad.

How do I choose?

Decide which features are the most important for your unique needs
Figure out which absorbency you need. For occasional leaks, go for a lighter absorbency. For heavier accidents, you’ll need a higher absorbency.
Need more help? Call our friendly Care Team at 855-855-1666 or email us at support@carewell.com and we’ll be happy to guide you.

Carewell's recommendations

Our customers love men’s guards from brands like Abena, Prevail, and Tranquility.

Some of our favorite male guards are:

Abena Abri Man Premium, Heavy Absorbency

One of the most absorbent male guards on the market, this product is comfortable, breathable, and trustworthy.

Shop now

Prevail Male Guards, Maximum

Absorbent and comfortable, these guards have Quick Wick with Max Soft technology, meaning that they’re ultra-soft and they quickly wick moisture away from the skin, so you feel dry.