1 in 4 men experience urinary incontinence1, yet many never raise it. In practice, that means symptoms often go unaddressed. As a healthcare professional in a hospital or community setting, you may be the one who notices first - and starts the conversation.
Talking about incontinence isn't easy. For many men it can mean fear, embarrassment and isolation. Watch the video to understand the male patient perspective for incontinence.
Watch the video and hear Jonathon and Jamie's stories now.
Urinary incontinence isn’t limited to older adults - it can affect anyone at any age.2 It is estimated that around 14 million people in the UK live with bladder problems, including urinary incontinence.3 The prevalence increases with age and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes. The true number may be under-represented as incontinence is often under-reported and underdiagnosed. Incontinence can have far-reaching impacts on an individual’s quality of life, leading to anxiety and social withdrawal such as avoiding leaving the house or seeing friends and family. It is everyone’s business to identify and provide initial help to those with continence issues and not just those who work and specialise in bladder and bowel services.4
Study estimates suggest the prevalence of male incontinence ranges from 10% to 25%, which is around 1 in 4 men.1 It can affect men at any stage of life, including after surgery or alongside long-term conditions such as diabetes. For many men, the barrier isn’t the symptom, it’s talking about it. You may notice patients downplaying concerns, avoiding the topic, or managing on their own. If it isn’t raised, it often isn’t treated.
I think often the emphasis is put on the patient to educate themselves, to kind of just learn everything themselves. And not everybody has that confidence to be able to even talk about it in the first place or to be able to research it.
Jamie, a patient and, a teacher and professional athlete who has navigated continence issues since a spinal surgery complication at age sixteen. Having once struggled alone, he now shares his journey to empower others and demonstrate that acceptance enables a full life. Jamie hopes healthcare professionals will recognise that incontinence is not a condition limited solely to older women.
Recognising the issue is one step. Knowing how to approach the conversation is the next.
When preparing for a difficult conversation about continence, take a SECOND to get ready and get the best results for the individual. You don’t get a second chance to have that first conversation about incontinence, so by planning it carefully you can make it as effective as possible.
SECOND has been developed to support healthcare professionals when initiating conversations with those who show signs of difficulties in managing continence. It provides a simple structure to help guide difficult continence conversations in everyday clinical practice.
Most clinicians will come across this even if incontinence is not their specialism. You don’t need all the answers. What matters is noticing the signs, starting the conversation, and helping the patient take that next step. These conversations don’t always happen in specialist settings. Patients may not raise the issue directly so how we respond in the moment as healthcare professionals can make all the difference.
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Patients may not raise the issue themselves so start by looking for cues around you. Is their mobility reduced? Increased levels of laundry? Use this as a way to start non-judgemental, open conversation.
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Use open-ended questions to find out what’s happening, when it happens and how it affects daily life. Understand what they most want to change.
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Discuss practical options such as bladder training, lifestyle adjustments, regular hydration and addressing constipation that fit their needs and goals. Consider suitable product solutions and any aids to make getting to the toilet easier.
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Summarise the discussion to reinforce understanding of their concerns and what matters to them, and the options you have explored.
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Agree a clear, realistic plan and agree who will do what, and when. This may include a referral, follow-up call, self-management strategies, keeping a bladder diary or incontinence products.
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Provide clear information that they can return to and signpost for further support. Good records ensure continuity of care and reduce the need to repeat a difficult conversation.
Not every healthcare professional specialises in continence care, yet many encounter it. Patients respond to confidence and clarity, and early discussions can change outcomes. Having a simple structure in place can make these conversations easier to approach.
Watch the video to learn more about SECOND.
The day I was diagnosed is the day I started writing about it. And I went public. Right, ok, this is my journey. It's making me feel a lot better and hopefully it's going to help some other people.
Jonathon, a patient and, an international advertising executive who has lived with incontinence since undergoing life-saving surgery for prostate cancer. Adjusting to life with continence challenges has given him first-hand insight into the practical and emotional impact of the condition. Today, he is passionate about raising awareness and encouraging more open conversations around continence care. By sharing his experiences, Jonathon hopes to help healthcare professionals better understand the realities faced by those living with incontinence and the important role they play in helping people maintain confidence, independence and quality of life.
With over 60 years of experience TENA is the world’s leading incontinence brand*. We offer a full range of absorbent products, skincare and digital health technology solutions that are tailored to the needs of individuals, their families and healthcare professionals.
With TENA, Essity is at the forefront of developing products and services that help improve dignity and the quality of people’s lives. We strive for sustainable continence care with better care and better products.
*Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Retail Adult Incontinence, all channels, RSP value sales, Tissue & Hygiene, 2026 edition.
TENA, a brand of Essity – a global leading hygiene and healthy company. Everyday, our products, solutions and services are used by billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, ModiBodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2025, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 138bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The Company's headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.
