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| Bladder Weakness: Women |
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| How common is bladder weakness? |
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| How does the bladder work? |
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| How often do most people empty their bladder? |
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| I’m relatively young and have a weak bladder. Isn’t this something that only affects old people? |
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| What can be done about bladder weakness? |
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| Do exercises really help? |
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| I have read that bladder weakness can be treated with muscle-training exercises. How long before the exercises start to show results? |
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| If I drink less will things improve? |
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| To whom can I turn? |
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| Should I use TENA DriActive™ Liners, DriActive Slender™, DriActive Plus, Extra, Extra Plus or Night & Day™ Pads? |
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| Can I use sanitary pads for bladder weakness? |
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| What products would I need? |
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| Where can I buy TENA products? |
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| Where can I find information about TENA products? |
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| My symptoms are different to those I have read about. What should I do? |
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| How do I dispose of my TENA liners, pads & protective underwear products? |
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How common is bladder weakness?
Bladder weakness affects about 7% of the population and is more prevalent in women. In fact, bladder weakness is just as common as hay fever! We have found in reserach that one in four women over 35 have experienced bladder weakness. |
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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. |
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How often do most people empty their bladder?
Most people empty their bladders between four to eight times a day. |
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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. |
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What can be done about bladder weakness?
The best way to try to prevent or reduce the number of leakage episodes is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by performing the exercises described in the training program section of the website. 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 doctor about the possibilities for treating your bladder control problem. The treatments described, used in conjunction with TENA liners, pads and protective underwear products, will ensure that you can regain your confidence. |
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Do exercises really help?
Yes they do. 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. If in doubt we recommend you first consult with a doctor or physiotherapist who can tell you which exercises are best for you. |
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I have read that bladder weakness can be treated with muscle-training exercises. How long before the exercises start to show results?
You will begin to feel the benefit of exercises after just a few weeks and after 8 to 12 months there is a very good chance you will be symptom-free. Even if you are not your situation will have improved and, with the right products to help you, you will 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. |
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If I drink less 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 3 to 4 pints (2 litres) a day. However, it is not recommended that you drink excessive amounts either as this could lead to distension of the bladder. |
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To whom can I turn?
If you want further advise, please call the TENA Help Line at 1-800-510-8023 or the Consumer Help Line at The Canadian Continence Foundation. Call 1-800-265-9575 or (Montreal) 514-488-9999. Contact by email help@continence-fdn.ca It is always a good idea to let your doctor know you are experiencing bladder problems. |
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Should I use TENA DriActive™ Liners, DriActive Slender™, DriActive Plus, Extra, Extra Plus or Night & Day™ Pads?
Virtually all sizes of TENA pads absorb faster and in greater quantities than feminine hygiene pads. They are designed for your comfort and security, with a contoured body shape and a soft surface that feels dry all the time. Unless you are sure you need extra protection we recommend that most people start with the smallest size - DriActive Liners. Try DriActive Slender, DriActive Plus, Extra, Extra Plus or Night & Day pads if you find that more protection is needed. For more moderate to heavy leakage, TENA offers Protective Underwear in Regular and Extra Absorbency. Both TENA Discreet Protective Underwear with Regular Absorbency and TENA Protective Underwear with Extra Absorbency pull on and off like normal underwear. Unique, discreet and comfortable, they offer the ultimate protection for both Women and Men. |
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Can I use sanitary pads for bladder weakness?
No; urine is light and is discharged in larger quantities; menstrual discharge is heavier and comes out more slowly. Two different conditions require two different absorption techniques and two different products. |
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What products would I need?
There are products for all situations- from mild bladder weakness to loss of greater quantities. You can find more information in the product selector in the products section of this website. |
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Where can I buy TENA products?
TENA products are sold at virtually every drug stores and mass merchandising store and some supermarkets across Canada. If your favourite store doesn't stock a particular TENA product, you can ask the Pharmacist to place an order with the wholesaler. For a list of stores near you that sell TENA products, look in the Buying products section on this web site or call the TENA Help Line at 1-800-510-8023. |
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Where can I find information about TENA products?
You will find products and product descriptions in the products section of this website. |
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My symptoms are different to those I have read about. What should I do?
This site deals with the most prevalent forms of bladder weakness and, due to limited space, we cannot go into greater detail. We recommend talking to your doctor or having a look in the more information section of this website. |
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How do I dispose of my TENA liners, pads & protective underwear products?
As with feminine hygiene pantiliners and pads, you should not throw TENA liners, pads & protective underwear in the toilet but in your garbage can or the special container for sanitary products located in public washrooms. With most TENA products, you can use the plastic wrapping from your new product to dispose of the old one. |
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