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Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the most common questions about bladder leakage.

My symptoms are different from what I’ve read about on the TENA website, what should I do?
We’ve detailed the most common forms of bladder weakness/incontinence on TENA.ca, so it could be that we haven’t talked about the exact symptoms you are experiencing. The best thing to do is to chat with your doctor. They will be able to advise you on your individual situation. For tips, head over to our page about what to ask my doctor.
I thought a weak bladder only affected older people?
Bladder weakness is very common. In fact, one in three women over 35 experiences involuntary urinary leakage. Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause are contributing factors, diet and lifestyle can also play a role. You can read more about the types and causes of incontinence in our about incontinence section.
So, what can I do about my bladder weakness?
There are lots of types and causes of urinary leakage, so talking with your doctor to find out the reason behind your bladder weakness is a good idea. We also recommend pelvic floor exercises. Also known as Kegel exercises, they’re a really effective way to prevent, reduce and get rid of leaks for most women. The key is consistency and training your pelvic floor daily if you can. For exercise tips, head over to our page on pelvic floor strengthening. Remember to be patient with pelvic floor training, it usually takes around 3 months to see any changes. In the meantime, TENA products can offer you discreet protection from leaks and odor. Try for yourself and order a free sample.
Will Kegel or pelvic floor exercises actually help improve my bladder weakness?
Everybody is different, but if you exercise your pelvic floor daily, you should usually see a little improvement after three months. If you don’t see any improvement, or are unsure of what you’re doing, please speak to your doctor or specialist physiotherapist. For exercise tips, head over to our page about pelvic floor strengthening.
Does drinking less help reduce leaks?
No. Drinking too little will just make your urine more concentrated which will in turn irritate your bladder, causing you to urinate more often. Drink as usual, but think about what you drink. Alcohol has a diuretic effect and caffeine irritates the bladder, both of these can cause a feeling of urgency and needing to go to the bathroom more often. So enjoy in moderation, and it can also help to avoid drinking too much before going to bed. Read more on our page about healthy lifestyle choices when living with incontinence.
I’m worried about traveling, what if I can’t find a bathroom?
Your bladder weakness shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying what you love in life. The best advice is to have a plan. Start by finding the right TENA product to help you feel secure, dry and fresh no matter where you go, and keep a supply in your hand luggage or handbag. Training your pelvic floor is also a great way to help reduce leaks. Read more over on our incontinence and occasions page.
Will I leak during sex?
There are some things you can do to help give you a little peace of mind during intimacy; avoid drinks such as carbonated beverages, alcohol and coffee, and empty your bladder before sex. Pelvic floor exercises are also a great way to strengthen your bladder and reduce leaks. They also have the added bonus of increasing your sexual pleasure, so get training. Read more over on our page about how to deal with bladder weakness and intimacy.
Can we take a step backwards? How does the bladder even work?
When you eat or drink, your body absorbs liquid. Your kidneys then filter out the waste products and make urine, which passes into the bladder in a continuous trickle. Once the bladder is full, it signals your brain that you need to go to the bathroom. When you’re at the toilet and you make the decision to empty your bladder, your brain then signals the bladder to contract and pelvic floor muscles to relax and let the urine pass. Everybody is different, but on average, most people need to urinate 4 to 7 times during the day, and occasionally once at night. You can read more over on our incontinence section.
What TENA product should I use?
We have a lot of great products, all with the goal to keep you feeling secure, dry and confident all day long. From liners for little leaks to underwear for secure and discreet protection, find the product that best suits your needs over on our product section.
Why TENA, can’t I just use my sanitary pads?
While they might look similar, TENA products are specifically designed to rapidly absorb urine, which is thinner and comes out in larger quantities than menstrual discharge. They’re also designed to protect you against the odor created when the bacteria in urine break down. Try for yourself and order a free sample of TENA.
Are your products safe to use?
Yes. TENA products not only give you protection against leaks and odor, they also rapidly absorb liquid and stay dry, keeping your skin dry, happy and healthy. We always employ dedicated specialists, with years of experience in skin health and toxicology, to carefully select, assess and approve all our raw materials. We also draw on the expertise of universities and organizations, and work closely with our suppliers to ensure the highest standards of quality in all of our materials and products. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How do I dispose of my TENA pads?
Please dispose of TENA pads in the garbage or, where available, a sanitary towel disposal unit. Think of the environment, and do not place them in the toilet. With most TENA products, you can use the plastic wrapping from your new pad to dispose of the old one.