Frequently Asked Questions
Bladder Weakness is defined as "the involuntary leaking of urine, to the extent that it becomes inconvenient."
Even the healthiest women can experience one or more types of bladder leakage at different times of life. The extent of leakage, and possible reasons for it, are many and varied, like the individuals who experience it.
TENA believes that knowledge is power and better protection is key.
How common is bladder weakness?
Bladder weakness is more prevalent in women. In fact, bladder weakness is just as common as hay fever! Research indicates that one in four women over 35 have experienced bladder weakness.
How does the bladder work?
When you eat or drink your body absorbs liquids. The kidneys filter waste products from the body fluids and make urine. A continuous trickle passes from the kidneys to the bladder and the bladder slowly expands. When the bladder is full a signal goes to the brain indicating the need to go to the toilet. Once the toilet is reached the brain then tells the large bladder muscle to squeeze and contract. At the same time it tells the support muscles (pelvic floor muscles) that surround the urethra (the outlet from the bladder) to relax and let the urine pass.
How often do most people empty their bladder?
Most people empty their bladders between four to eight times a day.
I'm relatively young and have a weak bladder. Isn't this something that only affects old people?
One out of four women over 35 have weak bladders. Pregnancy and childbirth contribute to this figure. Menopausal women often experience bladder weakness. Even young girls sometimes experience leaking after strenuous exercise. Heavy smokers cough more frequently than non-smokers and this can exacerbate the situation. Too much coffee, tea or alcohol doesn’t help either. So you can see, age is not the only factor.
What can be done about bladder weakness?
One of the best ways to try to prevent or reduce the number of leakage episodes in otherwise healthy women is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by performing the exercises described in the Exercise Area. This tends to be more effective if you have the stress type of bladder control problem. For other types of bladder control problems various other methods of treatment are available. Please talk to your healthcare professional about treatment options for your bladder control problem. The treatments described, used in conjunction with Serenity pads, will ensure that you can regain your confidence.
Do exercises really help?
Yes, exercises often help, particularly for people with a stress type bladder problem. Please have a look in the training program in the bladder weakness section of this website. Here you can see what exercises you can do. You should consult your healthcare professional about the type of bladder weakness you have and which exercises are best for you.
I have read that bladder weakness can be treated with muscle-training exercises. How long will it take for the exercises to start showing results?
Depending on the type of bladder weakness you have, you may begin to feel the benefit of exercises after just a few weeks. After 8 to 12 months, there is a good chance you will have reduced symptoms or even be symptom-free. Even if you are not symptom-free, exercises may improve your situation. And with the right products to help you, you'll regain your confidence. The sooner you act, the better! Most people wait so long that it takes the body some time to get back to earlier routines.
If I drink less fluid, will things improve?
No. Drinking less will make your urine more concentrated which will in turn irritate your bladder causing you to urinate more often. You should drink 6 to 8 glasses a day. Drinking excessive amounts, however, is not recommended either because it could lead to abnormal bladder distension.
I’m worried that I’ll leak during sex. What can I do to avoid this happening?
The good news is that leakage is pretty rare during sex, so there’s no reason why you should allow bladder weakness to affect your sex life. With pelvic floor exercises your sex life may actually improve because your muscles strengthen. If you are worried about leaks, you might want to try and empty your bladder beforehand. Also, avoid diuretic drinks such as carbonates and coffee before making love. This will help reduce the desire to ‘go’ during love making.
What TENA product should I use?
All TENA products are designed for your comfort and security with a contoured body shape, a soft surface that feels dry all the time, and the all-important Odor Control™. We have a comprehensive range of size and absorbency levels. Use our Product Finder to find the most appropriate products for your needs
Can I use regular sanitary protection pads for bladder weakness?
No. Unlike ordinary maxi pads, TENA® bladder protection products are specially designed to absorb urine leakage. Urine is light and is discharged in larger quantities. Menstrual discharge is heavier and comes out more slowly. Two different conditions requiring two different absorption techniques, two different odour-fighting properties and two different products.
Where can I buy TENA products?
You can find TENA products at your local grocery, drug or discount store. Look for them in the aisle where other bladder control products are sold. For a list of retailers which sell TENA products, please visit the Where to Buy section of this website.
How do I dispose of my TENA pads?
As with maxi pads, you should not throw TENA® pads in the toilet, but in the garbage or in waste receptacles for sanitary pads. With most TENA products you can use the plastic wrapping from your new pad to dispose of the old one.