TENA MEN INCONTINENCE PRODUCTS OR DIY SOLUTIONS?

Urinary leaks. Incontinence. Sudden urges to pee. Dribbles. It’s a fact that urinary leakage is experienced by one in four men over the age of forty - many of whom feel that they lose the ability to be spontaneous and that their sex life, masculinity, and even their sleep patterns are affected. So why do only 5% of men use a protective product and the vast majority choose to try to deal with it without help?

Urinary leaks. Incontinence. Sudden urges to pee. Dribbles. It’s a fact that urinary leakage is experienced by one in four men over the age of 40, many of whom feel that they lose the ability to be spontaneous and that their sex life, masculinity, and even their sleep patterns are affected. So why is it that the vast majority choose to try to deal with it without seeking the right solution? One study found that only 50% of men choose to use protective products designed specifically for urinary leaks.1

Many men develop their own homemade solutions for urinary incontinence: bundles of toilet paper or tissue, wads of kitchen roll, or even extra thick underwear. But are DIY solutions truly effective and reliable? Or would you be better off with products designed for discretion, comfort, and proper absorption? Before we get into it, let’s get to know male urinary incontinence a bit better.

What Is Male Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence happens due to a loss of bladder control. The result? Unintended leaks. It is more common than many people realize and can show up in various ways:2

  • Stress incontinence: If you’ve ever experienced a small leak when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting something heavy, this may be the cause. It happens when pressure on the bladder overcomes the pelvic floor muscles, leading to unintentional leaks.2
  • Urge incontinence: This type causes a sudden, intense need to urinate (even when the bladder isn’t full), making it difficult to hold it in.2
  • Overflow incontinence: When the bladder doesn’t fully empty, lingering urine can result in frequent dribbling or unexpected leakage.2
  • Functional incontinence: Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the bladder itself but rather physical or cognitive challenges that make it harder to get to the restroom in time, such as mobility limitations or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s.2

Want to learn more? Read:Types of Male Incontinence

Causes, Symptoms, and Triggers of Male Incontinence

Several factors contribute to urinary incontinence in men, including:

  • Prostate-related issues: Since the prostate is closely linked to urinary function, conditions like an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) or prostate surgery can contribute to bladder leakage.2
  • Excess weight: Carrying extra body weight places additional pressure on the bladder, making it harder to maintain control.2
  • Age-related changes: As you get older, the bladder muscle might weaken, leaving it less able to hold as much urine and increasing the chances of leaks.2
  • Other medical conditions: Certain neurological conditions, like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors, or spinal injuries, can disrupt the nerve signals that help control the bladder.2

Want to dive deeper into the causes? Read: Understanding the Causes of Male Incontinence

What Are DIY Incontinence Products Made From?

If you have incontinence, it’s important to know that there are solutions that can help you manage it. Incontinence products, like absorbent pads, shields and guards can be really useful. Some people try and make these at home, using cotton towels and microfiber cloths, but they can quickly become messy and inconvenient. It’s tricky to keep them in place (no matter how many safety pins you use), which means the chances of leaks are higher. They don’t match up to professional products when it comes to absorbency, and they don’t prevent odors. Plus, they tend to be bulky and indiscreet.

So, you are better off trusting the experts when it comes to your protection and comfort.

Incontinence Products for Men

Managing urinary leaks doesn’t have to be complicated. There are plenty of professional incontinence products designed to keep you dry, comfortable, and confident. Here are some TENA products we recommend to help you stay protected:

  • Absorbent Pads & Guards: Designed specifically for men, incontinence guards fit discreetly inside your underwear, offering protection where you need it most.
  • Absorbent Underwear: If you prefer something more secure, disposable or reusable incontinence underwear offer all-in-one protection without the need for separate pads. And there are many options to choose from.
  • Incontinence Briefs: For maximum absorbency and security, disposable incontinence briefs provide full coverage and a comfortable fit.
  • Bed Protectors & Other Absorbent Solutions: Accidents can happen overnight, but with waterproof bed protectors like our Bed Underpad, you can sleep worry-free.

Need help figuring out how to wear male incontinence guards and pads properly? Check out this step-by-step guide for tips.

No matter what level of protection you need, TENA has a solution to help you feel comfortable and confident every day.

When it comes to managing urinary leaks, DIY solutions just don’t measure up to professional incontinence products. At TENA, we design products with your comfort, confidence, and protection in mind, offering key benefits that make a real difference in your daily life. Let’s take a closer look at what sets TENA apart:

1. Sits securely: TENA Men products are designed to sit securely in place in your underwear — no shifting and no readjustment.
2. Super absorbent: When your toilet paper solution that looked so impressive in the morning is leaking at the side by ten o’ clock and you’re trying your best to ignore it, think about this: a purpose-made product is designed to fit comfortably and lock in moisture and urinary leaks, keeping you dry and confident for longer.
3. Locks in odors: Another benefit of our product’s super absorbent capacity is their ability to reduce odors. By doing so, it means you don’t have to worry about unpleasant smells in sensitive social or work situations.
4. Thin and discreet: Homemade incontinence solutions tend to be created with one characteristic in mind — the thicker, the better. This is not true. Purpose-made products are designed to be slim and discreet without losing the ability to absorb fluid much more effectively than any type of toilet paper or tissue. Their thin design also makes them more comfortable. You might even forget it’s there, something that’s hard to do when you have a wad of toilet paper in your underwear.

We get it, sometimes DIY solutions are a quick, cost-effective fix, and that’s totally okay. But for long-term comfort and reliable protection, a well-designed option makes all the difference.

Which Option is Best for You? DIY vs. TENA Products

Here’s the thing: DIY options don’t really offer the same absorbency or comfort as specialized products. Also, they can sometimes cause skin irritation if you're not careful.

On the other hand, investing in TENA products can make a world of difference. They’re designed to keep you dry, comfortable, and protected. Plus, they’re made with materials that prevent skin irritation and infections, so you don’t have to worry about discomfort or any unwanted rashes. In the long run, spending a little more on quality incontinence products can really pay off when it comes to your well-being.

Additional Tips for Managing Male Incontinence

  • Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening those bladder muscles can really help and pelvic floor exercises are a great way to do that!3 They're simple, effective, and can make a huge difference in improving bladder control.
  • Diet and lifestyle changes: Sometimes what you eat can make a big impact on incontinence. Try cutting down on bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. These can make leaks worse, so it’s worth adjusting your diet a bit. For more tips, read: Home Remedies You Can Try for Male Incontinence
  • Hygiene tips: Keeping your skin happy is key, so make sure you're following a good hygiene routine. Regularly changing your incontinence products is super important for avoiding skin irritation and odor.

By combining these simple tips with the right incontinence products, you’ll be taking great care of yourself while managing incontinence more easily and comfortably.

Conclusion

So, what’s the best option? DIY solutions can be a quick fix, but for lasting comfort and reliable protection, TENA Men products are designed to help you stay in control and manage urinary leaks with ease. A purpose-made protector offers the absorbency and security that homemade solutions often can’t.

References

1. NIH. ‘Sex differences in the use of absorbent (incontinence) pads in independently living elderly people: do men receive less care?’. 2009. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19490196/

2. Mayoclinic. ‘Urinary Incontinence’. 2023. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808

3. MayoClinic. ‘Kegel exercises for men: Understand the benefits’. 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/kegel-exercises-for-men/art-20045074

TENA Men products

View our products for urinary leaks

From drips to dribbles, view our wide selection of incontinence guards and underwear for men with urinary leakage.

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