Plan Ahead for Overseas Trips

Dear Dr. SerVaas,
After surgery for prostate cancer, my husband is left with an incontinence problem. We would like to travel to Germany, but have two questions: Are men’s incontinence pads available in other countries? How can we avoid explaining his metal clamp at airport security checkpoints?

Nurse practitioner Diane A. Smith specializes in the management of urinary incontinence and is affiliated with the National Association for Continence (nafc.org). Smith offers the following advice:

“Your husband may be able to travel comfortably by using a condom catheter with a leg bag (all plastic) or a new compression pouch called ActiCuf. He could also choose to wear a pad for the security screenings only.

“Pads are provided at health departments rather than at pharmacies in many European countries. In Germany, however, the pharmacies generally do carry pads. Products manufactured by Kimberly-Clark may be located worldwide, including recently developed products that are gender-specific and may provide a better fit for your husband. To be on the safe side, you might consider shipping pads before your departure or taking an extra suitcase. In addition, advise your husband to drink mostly water and juices; artificial sweeteners and alcohol can increase leakage. And please encourage him to continue doing Kegel exercises. Studies confirm that incontinence after prostate surgery may continue to improve for more than two years post-surgery.

“I hope you have a wonderful trip. Safe travels!”

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