After my second baby was born, I discovered that the urinary incontinence I experienced during my pregnancy didn’t always go away. In addition to dealing with a newborn and a toddler, I also had to deal with the unexpected problem of running to the bathroom every time I felt the urge to go—and not always making it in time.
Using disposable products as needed seemed like my only option—and while it was frustrating to deal with UI, it was something I’d gotten used to—until a friend introduced me to the “period underwear.” THINX underwear are designed to hold menstrual fluid without a pad or tampon. I found the idea intriguing, but I really got interested when I discovered the same company sells Icon Undies, underwear specifically for urinary incontinence. I couldn’t wait to try them even though I was skeptical that they’d work as advertised, but they were incredible. It was so easy to make the change from pads to underwear.
According to their FAQ, Icon Undies can hold up to six teaspoons of liquid in the light-absorbency panties and up to eight teaspoons in the moderate-absorbency panties. I bought the moderate-absorbency version for maximum protection and have found that they work very well for me. Though I’ve never measured exactly how much liquid they hold, they definitely protect my outer clothing from minor accidents, and I’ve never had an incident.
Icon Undies have multiple layers to wick away moisture and hold liquid, so they are thicker than my average underwear. Admittedly, it took some time to get accustomed to the additional thickness because it felt as if the fabric was bunched between my legs, but I got used to it, and it’s not so dramatic that anyone would notice through my clothes. Plus, they’re much more comfortable than wearing a pad. I don’t notice any moisture or odor while I’m wearing them. They’re suitable for everyday use, but for me they’re perfect for traveling or long days away from home when a bathroom might not be readily available. They’re also machine washable, which means I just toss them in with my regular laundry, no problem.
The major drawback of the Icon underwear is the price—they aren’t cheap. For the cost of one pair, I could buy a couple of months’ worth of pads or two to three very nice regular panties, so they are definitely an investment. But Icon offers discounts and runs sales, and the underwear come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. I really appreciate feeling protected in underwear that are pretty, and I love the peace of mind Icon Undies can give me.
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