Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Adult Incontinence FAQ

Incontinence FAQ

Male FAQFemale FAQ


Men


How common is bladder weakness?
Bladder weakness affects, on average, about 7% of the population. This figure becomes gradually higher in men from the age of sixty.
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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 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 older people?
Many men have problems urinating for a variety of reasons and regardless of age. Men who have undergone prostate surgery sometimes experience weak bladders for a limited period, maybe a year. Young boys with some kind of penile inflammation can also be affected. 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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Do exercises really help?
Yes they do. Please have a look at the training program in the How to Train Your Bladder section of this blog. Here you can see what exercises you can do. If in doubt we recommend you first consult with a doctor or urologist who can tell you which exercises are best for you.
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What can be done about bladder weakness?
For different 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 treatment of your bladder control problem, used in conjunction with Adult Incontinence products, will ensure that you can regain your confidence.
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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 6 to 8 glasses of fluid each 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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My symptoms are different than those I have read about. What should I do?
The site deals with the most prevalent forms of bladder weakness and, due to limited space, we cannot go into greater detail. We would recommend looking in the More Information section or talking to your doctor.
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Where can I order my Adult Diapers with discrete shipping?
You can order them online at www.binsons.com or contact one of our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.
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Women


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 research 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 older people?
One out of four women over 35 years old have experienced bladder weakness. 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 Binson's absorbent products, will ensure that you can regain your confidence.
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Do exercises really help?
Yes they do. Please have a look at 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 urologist 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 6 to 8 glasses 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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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 Adult Incontinence products for all situations- from mild bladder weakness to heavy bladder and bowel incontinence. You can find more information in the products section of this website or contact one of our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.
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My symptoms are different than 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 Adult Diapers?
You should not throw Adult Diapers in the toilet, but dispose of these in your trash or in the special container for sanitary products located in public bathrooms. With some Adult Diaper products, you can use the plastic wrapping from your new product to dispose of the old one.
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Where can I order my Adult Diapers with discrete shipping?
You can order them online at www.binsons.com or contact one of our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.
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Where can I learn more about Adult Diapers and how Binson's can help me?
Visit our Adult Diaper Page at http://www.binsons.com/cgi-bin/web/services/adult-diapers.html or contact one of our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.


This information is from

http://www.tena.us/consumers/bladder/women/ and http://www.tena.us/consumers/bladder/men/

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.

How to Train Your Bladder

Incontinence occurs in both Men and Women. Read about how to train your bladder below.

Training while good, may not bring back full control of the bladder for some people. It also takes time to see the results.

Don't be embarassed in the interm! While you are training yourself to have better control, consider ordering some adult diapers from us. We offer discrete shipping. You can order them online at www.binsons.com or contact one of our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.

Men


Training program
Due to the different causes of bladder weakness between men and women, the following exercises could help to improve the situation for some men with bladder weakness. Please talk to your doctor to find out what would be the best solution for you.
  
   
Choose the best position for you  
   
Lie on your back:

  • with your legs pulled up
  • with a cushion supporting your legs
  • with your legs resting on a chair
  
   
Relax your back, buttocks, abdomen and legs as much as possible. Putyour hand on the lower half of your abdomen and make sure the musclesare not tensed. Breathe easily.  
   
Find the right muscles
Now you should concentrate on locating the right muscles. Slowly contract the sphincter. Squeeze the muscles around the urinary tract - imagine that you need to go to the toilet but can't get to one. Continue squeezing upwards so that you feel the pelvic floor being sucked inward and upwards. Repeat this contraction using moderate effort for about 2 seconds and then rest a further 2 seconds. Do this a number of times.
 male incontinence exercise
   
By consciously interrupting the flow of urine next time you visit thetoilet, you will be able to ascertain whether or not you have found theright muscles. But remember this is not part of the training program -just a way of checking.   
   
Another way to check is by placing a finger between your scrotum and the anus and feeling the muscles contract.  
   
The 'strength' contraction
When you are sure that you have located the right muscles, you can squeeze harder and longer. Squeeze as hard as you can for 5 seconds and then relax for 5 seconds. Repeat this 5 - 10 times.
 male incontinence exercise
   
The 'endurance' contraction
Do the same but hold for anywhere between 30 seconds and one minute. After a while, you will feel your strength ebbing but don't worry! Still try to contract the muscles for up to one minute. Do this exercise just once a day.
 male incontinence exercise
   
The 'resistance' contraction
When you have mastered the 'strength' contraction, you are ready to try this combined with abdominal pressure. For example:

  • Squeeze at the same time you do sit-ups
  • Squeeze when you cough
  • Squeeze and jump at the same time
  • Squeeze when you're out running
  • Squeeze next time you lift something heavy
 male incontinence exercise
   
As this training program only takes a few minutes of your time, it would be a good idea to repeat it as often as possible, preferably 6 -8 times daily. No injuries will result; it's extremely beneficial and is also an excellent precautionary measure!  



Women


Excercising the muscles in the pelvic floor is an effective way to minimize or prevent bladder leakage. They can be activated voluntarily so it is easy to make them strong. Excercising costs nothing and has no side effects, so try this before starting other treatment methods.

After 2-3 months of excercising you should notice an improvement. If you do not, talk to your doctor who will either help you to improve your excercises or maybe suggest an alternative method of treatment. However, whatever the doctor's suggests, he or she will stress the importance of remaining physically active.
 female incontinence exercise
   
The pelvic floor muscles
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles inside the pelvis that forms a floor in the body. They surround the urethra, vagina and rectum and should, along with the sphincter muscles, maintain control over these openings. The muscles should also support the urethra, bladder and womb and withstand all increases in abdominal pressure that occur during physical exercise.
 female incontinence exercise
   
If the pelvic floor muscles are weak the urethra can fall during exertion, resulting in bladder leakage.  
   
Finding the right muscles is important
The pelvic floor muscles are not easy to locate oneself. Studies have shown that some 30% of women who try to train their pelvic floor muscles do so incorrectly. It is important that you are aware of the most common mistakes. They are:

  • Tensing the buttocks, thighs and stomach muscles instead of the pelvic floor muscles.
  • Lying on your back with bent knees and then squeezing the buttocks and lifting up at the same time. This is a good exercise for the buttocks, back and thigh muscles, but has little effect on the pelvic floor muscles
 female incontinence exercise
  female incontinence exercise
The following test should prove helpful
Try interrupting the flow when you urinate. Try to feel which muscles you are using to do this. These are the muscles you need to work on. Note that this is only a test to identify the correct musculature and should not be repeated on a regular basis.
  
   
Correct contraction of the muscles
Correct contraction of the pelvic floor muscles feels like a small lift under the pelvis up into the body. There should be no accompanying movement of other parts of the body, e.g. the buttocks, stomach or the inner thighs. If you have a problem identifying the right muscles or if you are not sure that you are exercising correctly contact your doctor and/or urologist.
 female incontinence exercise
   
When you have learned to use the muscles correctly, train as hard as you can without using other muscle groups. Gradually increase the number of repetitions to 10 times. Try to hold each muscle contraction for 6-8 seconds.  
   
Intensive pelvic floor exercise
When you are able to hold the muscle contraction for 8 seconds you can try to draw the muscles further in with rapid contractions 3-4 times at the end of the 'hold period' - contract, hold, hold, then quickly lift in, in, in. Train the pelvic floor muscles 3 times a day with 10 repetitions each time, holding each repetition for 6-8 seconds.
 female incontinence exercise
   
In order to get the best possible results from the pelvic floor exercises, you should train at near-maximum intensity as described above for around 6 months. When the desired effect has been achieved, you will be able to reduce the frequency without losing muscle strength.  
   
Positions for correct exercising of the pelvic floor muscles
In order to isolate the pelvic floor muscles, you should choose positions that make it difficult to use other muscles and which enable you to train as hard as possible. Choose from these positions and see which ones are best for you.
 female incontinence exercise
   
1. Stand with your legs well apart. Put your hands on your buttock muscles and make sure you are not using these when you tense the pelvic floor muscles up and in.  
   
2. Lie on your stomach with one knee bent. Contract the pelvic floor muscles.  
   
3. Kneel with your feet together and your knees apart. Support your head on your hands. Press up and in with the pelvic floor muscles.  
   
4. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet well apart. Place one hand on your buttocks and the other on your stomach, and make sure you are not exerting these muscles. Pull up together with the pelvic floor muscles.  
   
5. Sit cross-legged with a straight back. Lift the pelvic floor muscles up and in, away from the floor.  
   
6. Stand with your knees and hips bent, supporting your arms on your thighs. Your back should be straight. Press the pelvic floor muscles up and in.  
   
Don't give up!
After 2-3 months of regular exercise you will already be able to notice a difference. And remember that 60% of women who trained intensively were successful in minimizing or eliminating bladder leakage completely after one year!
  
   
It is never too late to start pelvic floor exercises. Women who have started exercising in their 70's have felt improvements. When you incorporate the exercises into your daily routines they will become as natural as brushing your teeth.  
   
Good luck! And don't give up!  

Where can I learn more about Adult Diapers and how Binson's can help me?
Visit our Adult Diaper Page at http://www.binsons.com/cgi-bin/web/services/adult-diapers.html or contact one of our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.

This information is from

http://www.tena.us/consumers/bladder/women/ and http://www.tena.us/consumers/bladder/men/

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.

Incontinence, How to Keep Healthy

Incontinence occurs in both Men and Women. Read about how to keep healthy below.

Men


Tips
  • Drink enough liquid – around six to eight glasses a day, more in hot weather or after physical exercise.
  • Where possible cut down on alcoholic drinks; also on beverages such as tea, coffee and carbonated beverages, all of which contain caffeine.
  • Try to get the balance right. Don’t go ‘just in case’ but don’t hold back too long either.
  • Don’t strain when emptying your bladder. Relax!
  • When using bladder weakness pads you should change them about three times a day. If you need to change more frequently you should consider choosing a pad with higher absorbency.
  • Stay clean and sanitary. Wear our Adult Diapers. You can order them online at www.binsons.com or from our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.


Women


Tips
  • Drink enough liquid – six to eight glasses a day, more in hot weather or after physical activities.
  • Where possible cut down on alcoholic drinks; also on beverages such as tea, coffee and carbonated beverages, all of which contain caffeine.
  • Try to get the balance right. Don’t go ‘just in case’ but don’t hold back too long either.
  • Don’t strain. Relax! And don’t hover; sit on the toilet seat!
  • Learn to do the pelvic floor exercises. Get advice from the beginning just to make sure you are doing them correctly.
  • When using absorbent products for bladder weakness, you should change them about three times a day. If you need more, you should consider choosing a product with a higher absorbency.
  • Stay clean and sanitary. Wear our Adult Diapers. You can order them online at www.binsons.com or from our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.


Where can I learn more about Adult Diapers and how Binson's can help me?
Visit our Adult Diaper Page at http://www.binsons.com/cgi-bin/web/services/adult-diapers.html or contact one of our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.

This information is from

http://www.tena.us/consumers/bladder/women/ and http://www.tena.us/consumers/bladder/men/

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.

What To Do About Incontinence (Loss of control of bladder or bowels)

Incontinence occurs in both adult Men and Women. Read what to do about bladder control below.

Men

Can it be cured?
In many cases bladder problems can be cured or you can train your bladder to be stronger. There are a number of treatments available, exercises to train by and adult diaper products to use. You can train your bladder muscles and/or find use of various diaper products. We recommend that you see your doctor about your adult bladder problem so he/she can evaluate the treatment options available and exercises to train your bladder or even diapers to use.

Treatment

Exercises to Train your Bladder
In the case of urge leaking, simple routines to train your bladder may help. By gradually increasing the intervals between visits to the toilet, for example, you can train to increase the capacity of your bladder. Keeping a written record which includes checking your liquid intake against your urine output is an important element of your program to train your bladder.

Prostate treatment
An enlarged prostate can be cured when treated correctly. In most cases, the treatment will eventually stop adult urine loss. There are many diaper products available to help you cope as well.

Medicine
There are different kinds of medication and new and improved medicines are launched regularly. In conjuction with diaper usage, daily train your bladder routines, you will feel more like yourself.

Protection
Stay clean and sanitary. Wear our Adult Diaper products, we offer FREE shipping in discrete packaging. You can order Adult Diaper Products online at www.binsons.com or from our customer service representatives for Adult Diaper with FREE SHipping at (888)-246-7667.

Do not keep Incontinence to yourself
A good idea is to discuss adult incontitnence with your nearest and dearest. Your openness in discussing your situation with them will be rewarded by a greater, mutual understanding and, no doubt, an even greater sense of relief on your part. They can help train and support you through a regement to train your bladder and adult diaper needs.

If you are uncertain about the cause, you may prefer to discuss this with a professional consultant (doctor, nurse, etc) who will be able to recommend the best course of action for you - maybe a change of medicine, changes in your dietary habits, an bladder train program or diaper products available. They can give you the best train your bladder program and adult diaper products available.

Women

Can it be cured?
In many cases adult bladder weakness can be cured or you can train your bladder to be stronger. It depends on what has caused your adult bladder weakness in the first place. A program to train your bladder may be all you need in order to regain your confidence. There are adult diaper products with FREE Shipping made for your situation to help you feel normal again.

Pelvic floor exercises
Losing urine when laughing, coughing or lifting is often caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles. You can train to make this happen less or you can find adult diaper products to help. Simple exercises to train your muscles of the pelvic floor are recommended for you to train your bladder. You will find some simple adult bladder exercises to train your bladder in the "keeping healthy" section. The best train results will be achieved with guidance from a urologist to train your bladder. Adult diaper products is a term used to include smaller incontinence products such as underwear liners or pads. Diaper liner and pads are used for smaller, less frequent amounts of liquids. These adult diaper products can help with minor leakage occurances. Make certain that you get FREE shipping with your adult diaper products.

Medicines
There are different kinds of medication and new and improved medicines are launched regularly. In conjuction with diaper usage, daily train your bladder routines, you will feel more like yourself.

Protection
Stay clean and sanitary. Wear our Adult Diaper products, we offer FREE shipping in discrete packaging. You can order adult diaper products online at www.binsons.com or call our customer service representatives for diaper products at (888)-246-7667.

Do not keep it to yourself
A good idea is to discuss your adult bladder weakness with your nearest and dearest. Your openness in discussing your situation with them will be rewarded by a greater, mutual understanding and, no doubt, an even greater sense of relief on your part. They can help train and support you through a regement to train your bladder and adult diaper needs.

It is also important to consult your healthcare professional who will be able to recommend the best course of action for you - maybe a change in your medicine, changes in your dietary habits or maybe a train your bladder program would be beneficial.

Where can I learn more about Adult Diapers with FREE shipping and how Binson's can help me?
Visit our Adult Diaper Page at http://www.binsons.com/cgi-bin/web/services/adult-diapers.html or contact one of our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.

This information is from

http://www.tena.us/consumers/bladder/women/ and http://www.tena.us/consumers/bladder/men/

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.

Causes of Incontinence (Loss of control of bladder or bowels)

Incontinence occurs in both Men and Women. Read the causes below.

Men

The most commonly experienced type of bladder weakness by men is a continuous dripping. This is often caused by a swollen prostate impeding the passage of the urine when urinating. As a result the bladder is not completely emptied.

Men's bladders can become temporarily weakened after a prostate operation, although generally speaking things get back to normal after about a year.

Obesity can also lead to urine loss as it places undue strain on the abdominal and pelvic muscles.

Smoker's cough can also be an indirect cause of leaking as the coughing is frequent and often more violent. The greater risk of contracting the circulatory diseases that smoking causes and the subsequent prescription of diuretic medicines will also increase the risk of leaking.

Nerve damage, some medications, constipation or even an infection can also lead to bladder weakness.

The most common type of bladder weakness amongst men is overflow.

These are the different types of bladder problems that exist:

Overflow and drip
When your bladder does not empty completely urine builds up and in the end may begin to dribble out. An enlarged prostate can also impede the flow of urine leading to continuous dribbling.

Stress
Unexpected leaking when you laugh, cough, sneeze or do some kinds of physical training. Weakened pelvic floor muscles are the usual cause.

Urge
You experience a strong and sudden urge to pass urine. The bladder tries to empty despite your efforts to restrain leaking. There is a lack of co-ordination between impulses the brain gives to the bladder and what your bladder does.

Mixed symptoms
It is fairly common to have more than one type of symptom.

Protection
Stay clean and sanitary. Wear our Adult Diapers. You can order them online at www.binsons.com or from our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.


Women

Weakened pelvic floor muscles
The bladder and outlet passage are supported and held in place by a hammock of muscles called pelvic floor muscles that keep your bladder closed. If these muscles lose their strength and flexibility even everyday activities such as coughing may cause leaking.

Pelvic floor muscles can become stretched and weakened during childbirth. Being overweight can also put an added strain on them.

Menopause
All body muscles become weakened over time and after menopause, the reduction in the quantity of oestrogen also affects the abdominal muscles. As a result, the bladder shifts its position and the muscles around the urinary tract become less effective.

Other causes
Nerve damage, some medications, constipation or even an infection can also lead to bladder weakness.

These causes result in the folllowing four types of bladder problems:

Stress
Unexpected leaking when you laugh, cough, sneeze or do some kinds of physical training. Most often, weakened pelvic floor muscles or the menopause are the causes.

Urge
You experience a strong and sudden urge to pass urine. The bladder tries to empty despite your efforts to restrain leaking. There is a lack of co-ordination between impulses the brain gives to the bladder and what your bladder does.

Overflow and drip
When your bladder does not empty completely, urine builds up and in the end may begin to dribble out.

Mixed symptoms
It is fairly common to have more than one type of symptom.

Protection
Stay clean and sanitary. Wear our Adult Diapers. You can order them online at www.binsons.com or from our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.

Where can I learn more about Adult Diapers and how Binson's can help me?
Visit our Adult Diaper Page at http://www.binsons.com/cgi-bin/web/services/adult-diapers.html or contact one of our customer service representatives at (888)-246-7667.

This information is from

http://www.tena.us/consumers/bladder/women/ and http://www.tena.us/consumers/bladder/men/

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.