Frequently asked questions

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

My symptoms are different to what I’ve read about on the TENA Lady website, what should I do?
We’ve detailed the most common forms of bladder weakness/incontinence on TENA Lady, 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 experience involuntary urine leakage. Pregnancy, childbirth and are contributing factors, diet and lifestyle can also play a role. You can read more about the types and causes of on our about incontinence section.
So, what can I do about my bladder weakness?
There are lots of types and causes of urine leakage so talking with your doctor to find out the reason behind your is a good idea. We also recommend . 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 Lady products can offer you discreet protection from leaks and odour. 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 wee more often. Drink as normal, 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 toilet 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 travelling, what if I can’t find a bathroom?
Your 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 Lady 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 and occasions page.
Will I leak during sex?
There are some things you can do to help give you a little piece of mind during intimacy; avoid drinks such as carbonated beverages, alcohol and coffee, and empty your bladder before sex. 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 toilet. When you’re at the toilet and you make the decision to empty your bladder, your brain then signals the bladder to contract and to relax and let the urine pass. Everybody is different, but on average, most people need to wee 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 pants for secure and discreet protection, find the product that best suits your needs over on our product section.
Why TENA Lady, can’t I just use my sanitary pads?
While they might look similar, TENA Lady 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 odour created when the bacteria in urine breaks down. Try for yourself and order a free sample of TENA Lady.
Are your products safe to use?
Yes. TENA Lady products not only give you protection against leaks and odour, 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 organisations, 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 Lady pads?
Please dispose of TENA pads in the bin or, where available, a sanitary towel disposal unit. Think of the environment and do not place them in the toilet. With most TENA Lady products, you can use the plastic wrapping from your new pad to dispose the old one.