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.
However, if you need some expert advice it’s important to speak to a medical specialist. We have TENA nurses who are specially trained in issues around bladder weakness so if you have a specific question regarding this matter, we’ll be happy to answer it. And remember, whatever your question, we will always get back to you in confidence.
To ask a specific question, please click here.
How often do children urinate?
Most children, like adults, empty their bladders between four and eight times daily. As children tend to be more involved in active, often sweaty games (and don’t always drink enough liquids) it could be less. However, if your child goes to the toilet frequently it may be a good idea to check with your local doctor that everything is as it should be.
How does the bladder work?
Whenever a child eats or drinks, the body absorb liquids. The kidneys then filter waste products from the body fluids and make urine. A continuous trickle passes from the kidneys to the bladder, which slowly expands. Once 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 (or pelvic floor muscles) that surround the urethra (the outlet from the bladder) to relax and let the urine pass.
My 4 year-old son wets the bed sometimes. What should I do?
Be patient. He will most likely grow out of it. Until then, try using a protection product to keep him dry and comfortable at night. However, if you think your child may have an infection, get your local doctor to examine him.
Is bed wetting caused by anxiety?
Some people believe this, but there is little scientific evidence to support it. In fact, it’s more likely that bed wetting causes anxiety than the other way around. The best thing to do is identify the root cause of that anxiety so it can be dealt with. You can find out tips on how to reduce any anxiety around incontinence in What you can do.
If my child drinks less will things improve?
No. Drinking less will only make the urine more concentrated, which will in turn irritate the bladder, causing more frequent urination. It’s best to let your child drink when they need to so they learn to naturally regulate their fluid intake. However, it may be worthwhile to discourage drinking near bedtime.
My child’s 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, greater detail isn’t possible. We would recommend talking to your doctor.
My teenage daughter sometimes leaks when she laughs a lot. Should I be concerned?
This is a relatively common occurrence among teenage girls and will most often disappear of its own accord. You should ensure that she is not suffering from infection of her urinary tract as this could be a cause and should be treated. It would also be a good idea to supply her with discreet urine protection, such as TENA Lady Mini Magic. This will keep any urine leakage away from the skin for better comfort (reducing the risk of irritation), and has Odour Control for freshness and confidence.
Are your products safe to use on my child’s skin?
We’ve always felt it important to offer safe, skin friendly products. We achieve this by carefully selecting, assessing and approving all our raw materials. In fact it’s so important to us at TENA that we employ dedicated specialists with years of experience in skin health and toxicology. We can also draw on the added expertise of multi-national bodies such as the University of Gothenburg and University College London. We then work closely with our suppliers to ensure the highest standards of quality in all materials and merchandise. So you can trust that TENA products are safe to use, as well as of the highest quality. Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.