Sorry...I am not familiar with a change to the "Guards" pads. I had the usual progression from full diapers, to "Guards", to now what are the thinnest "Shields" over the course of maybe 8-9 months. I am ~14 months post-RP, and I still wear the Shields for unexpected squirts and leaks. I have not seen ads for "new and improved" or however they marketed the new, different Guards. I still have 1-2 Shields in my pants pocket at all times. I used to keep one "Guard" in my pocket, and a few in my car if I would be out for an extended period of time. Incontinence is about the only thing that I can say progressed relatively well in my post-op first year. I just wish I could be 100% continent again without having to wear jockey style underwear to properly affix the Shields to the fabric of my undershorts. I was previously a comfortable and loose-hanging boxers guy. I hate jockey style. In fact, I had some skin infections/rashes when I switched to jockey style to accommodate the Shields. Even the barely wet Shield pressed against your warm skin will see that little bit of urine set up an infection in the folds of skin on your penis. I use a special anti-fungal bar soap in the shower everyday that contains Chlortrimazole. I only use it for c cleansing my genitals...it is not a full-body soap....especially at $12.00/bar. It keeps any looming infections at bay. The good news is that you WILL regain your continence...it just takes time. If your urologist did not offer you a prescription order for "Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy" (PFPT), ask for/demand one. Your insurance will likely initially-approve only two sessions, as did mine (Medicare Advantage Plan HMO), but my PFPT Therapist merely wrote a simple justification for a total of 8 sessions which were approved. There are MANY exercises and breathing techniques beyond the standard Kegel's that we all see and do. I was amazed with the additional diagrams and video links that I was sent to do the exercises. Good luck to you.