Institute for Personal Care Institute for Personal Care
The Unexpected Leak FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and important incontinence information so you can learn about the unexpected leak.
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 bathroom. Once in the bathroom, the brain 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.
Most people empty their bladders between 4 and 8 times each day.
One out of three women over 35 have weak bladders. Pregnancy and childbirth contribute to this figure. Menopausal women often experience the unexpected leak. 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. Age is not the only factor.
Many things can cause the unexpected leak – stress, pregnancy, surgery, weight gain, medications, and even everyday activities like exercise, coughing and laughing. At TENA®, we believe the unexpected leak is not an age thing, it’s a stage thing.
The unexpected leak is more prevalent in women than men. Research indicates that one in three women over 35 in the US have experienced the unexpected leak. Around one in ten men will experience the unexpected leak in their lifetime.
One of the best ways to try to prevent or reduce the number of leaks in otherwise healthy women is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by performing the exercises. This tends to be more effective if stress is the cause of your 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 the unexpected leak. The treatments described, used in conjunction with TENA® pads, will ensure that you can regain your confidence.
Yes, exercises often help, particularly if stress is causing the unexpected leak. You should consult with your doctor about the type of problem you have and which exercises are best for you.
All TENA® products are designed for your comfort and security with a contoured body shape, a soft surface that feels dry all the time, and the all-important Odor Control™. We have a comprehensive range of size and absorbency levels.
TENA Technology™ is our proprietary system that combines two layers of superior protection. Super absorbent microbeads pull in liquid to help keep you dry. The Dry Fast Core™ locks up liquid fast.
Microbeads, also known as superabsorbent polymer, are responsible for absorption and odor control. Microbeads lock in liquid, promoting a dry feeling.
Our personal care system is so absorbent that when a TENA® personal care pad is filled with liquid, not a drop will leak when you twist it. That's the fearless protection of TENA Technology.™ Amazing!
Depending on the type of unexpected leak you have, you may begin to feel the benefit of exercises after just a few weeks, and after 8 to 12 months there is a good chance you will have reduced symptoms or even be symptom-free. Even if you are not symptom-free exercises may improve your situation and, with the right products to help, 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 normal.
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 6 - 8 glasses a day. However, it is not recommended that you drink excessive amounts either as this could lead to distension of the bladder.
The good news is that leakage is pretty rare during sex, so there's no reason why you should allow the unexpected leak to affect your sex life. With pelvic floor exercises you may find that your sex life actually improves as your muscles strengthen. If you are worried about leaks, you might want to try and empty your bladder beforehand as well as avoid diuretic drinks such as pop and coffee. This will help reduce the desire to go during sex.
No. Unlike ordinary maxi pads, the TENA® personal care system is specially designed to absorb urine. Urine is light and is discharged in larger quantities; menstrual discharge is heavier and comes out more slowly. Two different conditions requiring two different absorption techniques, two different odor-fighting properties and two different products.
You can find TENA® products at your local Grocery, Drug or Mass Merchandise store. Look for them in the aisle where other bladder control products are sold. For a list of retailers which sell TENA® products, please visit the Where to Buy section of this website.
