The short answer: Sometimes. The NHS can provide continence products after an assessment, but what you get depends on where you live, and small products for light leaks are usually something you buy yourself.
If you have been searching for incontinence pants on the NHS, here is how it actually works, what you can reasonably expect, and where washable pants fit in.
How NHS continence services work
NHS continence services, sometimes called bladder and bowel services, are the place to start. The NHS says these are staffed by specialist nurses, sometimes called continence advisers, and specialist physiotherapists.
The usual way in is through your GP. A GP can refer you, and in some areas you can refer yourself. It is worth asking at the surgery which applies near you.
The service is there to find out what is causing the leaks and treat them, not just to hand out pads. Expect questions about how often you go, what you drink and when the leaks happen. You may be asked to keep a bladder diary for at least 3 days.
What the NHS usually supplies
Products are not handed out on request. The NHS products page says you may be able to get them depending on your local integrated care board, and that you may need to be assessed by a healthcare professional first.
The Bladder & Bowel Community puts it plainly. If you have a long term, ongoing condition with moderate to heavy leaks, you may be entitled to pads on prescription, free of charge. A specialist continence nurse assesses you and may arrange for them to be delivered to your home.
Supplies are measured out, not unlimited. One NHS service in York says it provides one to four products to cover 24 hours, and that very small products, such as liners, are not provided through the NHS at all.
Pads are what most people picture. Washable underwear is less usual, though some services now offer it. Wirral's bladder and bowel service, for example, says a washable product will suit light to moderate leaks and may send you one to try after an assessment. Whether your area does the same is a question for your local service.
As Prostate Cancer UK says, services vary from area to area, but your GP or the continence nurses at your hospital may provide some pads for free.
Other products on prescription
Pads are not the only option. Some men get on better with a sheath. Prostate Cancer UK describes these as looking like condoms with a tube on the end that drains into a bag, which you can strap to your leg under your clothes.
Its guide to urinary problems says you can get sheaths from chemists with a prescription from your doctor. A catheter, a thin tube that drains urine from the bladder, is another option for some people, and is something your healthcare team would arrange.
VAT relief if you have a long term condition
If you buy your own, you may not have to pay VAT. HMRC's VAT Notice 701/7 says eligible incontinence products sold to disabled people are zero rated, including when you buy online or by mail order. The notice mentions waterproof and leakproof underwear alongside pads.
For VAT purposes, you count as chronically sick or disabled if you have a physical or mental impairment with a long term and substantial effect on your ability to carry out everyday activities, or a condition the medical profession treats as a chronic sickness. It does not cover someone who is only temporarily incapacitated, or someone who is older but not chronically sick or disabled.
Suppliers who offer the relief will usually ask for a simple written declaration. GOV.UK has a template, and you need a separate declaration for each supplier. If you are not sure you qualify, ask before you sign.
Charities that can help
- Bladder & Bowel Community has plain guidance on getting products, plus the Just Can't Wait card, which you can add to your phone for free and show when you need a toilet quickly.
- Prostate Cancer UK has specialist nurses on 0800 074 8383 and an urgent toilet card of its own. Useful if your leaks follow prostate treatment.
- Bladder Health UK has information on bladder conditions, including overactive bladder.
Where washable leakproof pants fit in
Washable leakproof underwear is usually something you buy yourself. For light leaks that is often the simplest answer. A few pairs in the drawer, and nobody needs to know.
Frank's Pants are made for light leaks: drips, dribbles and the last drop. They are not designed for heavier leaks. If you are soaking through, or things are getting worse, the continence service is the right route. It can look for the cause as well as help with products.
When to see a GP
The NHS says to see a GP about any kind of bladder leak. It is a common problem, and you should not feel embarrassed talking about it.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you have blood in your pee
- it hurts when you pee
- you cannot pee at all
Getting on with your day
If your leaks are light, pick the pair that matches how they happen.
- The Active for the last drop and post pee dribbles.
- The Everyday for small leaks on and off through the day.
- The Ultra comes with three washable pads that clip in, so you can swap a fresh one in on long days.
Your first pair is covered by Frank's Word, our 60 day guarantee. If it does not keep you dry and comfortable, you get your money back.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get leakproof pants on prescription?
Some NHS continence services supply pads or pants after an assessment, usually for moderate to heavy leaks. What is on offer depends on where you live, so ask your GP or your local continence service.
Do I need to see my GP first?
Usually, yes. A GP can refer you to the local continence service, and in some areas you can refer yourself. Your surgery can tell you which applies near you.
Do I have to pay VAT on leakproof underwear?
If you are chronically sick or disabled as HMRC defines it, eligible products bought for your own use can be zero rated. Suppliers who offer this will usually ask you to sign a short declaration.
Are Frank's Pants suitable for heavier leaks?
No. Frank's Pants are made for light leaks: drips, dribbles and the last drop. If your leaks are heavier, speak to your GP or your local continence service.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your GP or healthcare team.