Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are some of the questions we often get asked. Most of your questions will be answered here or within the site.
Every time you eat or drink, your body absorbs liquids. It’s the job of your kidneys to filter waste products from these fluids and make urine. A continuous trickle passes from the kidneys to the bladder, which slowly expands. When the bladder is full a signal goes to the brain indicating the need to use 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 (or pelvic floor muscles) that surround the urethra (the outlet from the bladder) to relax and let the urine pass.
Usually between four and eight times a day.
Because bladder weakness is not something you tend to discuss with your friends, it often seems rarer than it is. In fact it is really quite common, particularly amongst men who have an enlarged prostate or who have had prostate surgery but there are other causes too which you can check out in our causes section.
We estimate that as many as 3.6 million men in the UK have difficulties with bladder control, and one person in every hundred has trouble controlling their bowels.
Many men have difficulty urinating for a variety of reasons, regardless of age.
Sometimes those who’ve had prostate surgery experience weak bladders for a limited period (around a year). Heavy smokers, can also be susceptible, mainly because they cough more frequently than non-smokers. Even young boys with penile inflammation can be affected.
Other aggravating factors include alcohol, coffee or tea, but it largely depends on the individual. So, as you can see, age is far from being the only factor.
Exercises and bladder retraining methods are explained in What you can do.
These methods, in conjunction with TENA for Men protection, will help you continue your normal life with confidence.
It’s tricky really, because taking in less fluid will make your urine more concentrated and irritate your bladder, causing you to urinate more often.
However drinking excessive amounts can lead to distension of the bladder.
The best advice we can give is simply to drink when you feel like it and allow your body to regulate your liquid requirements.
If you want further advice, please call the TENA advice line on
0845 30 80 80 30.
There are other organisations you may wish to contact, and these are listed in Useful links.
However, we would always recommend that you let your doctor know if you are experiencing bladder problems.
TENA for Men is on currently on sale in Lloyds Pharmacies, Morrisons and Wilkinson.
TENA for Men can also be bought at most chemists – if your local chemist don’t stock a particular TENA product, they can place an order with the wholesaler.
For a list of retailers, please look in either the Products or Where to buy section of this website. Alternatively, call the TENA Advice Line on 0845 30 80 80 30.
All TENA products can also be bought online at TENA Direct: www.tenadirect.co.uk
This site deals with the most prevalent forms of bladder weakness, but everyone is unique and it can be tricky to diagnose your condition. Therefore our best advice would be to speak to your doctor.