Laughter really is the best medicine, according to a psychologist, as 70% of men say use humour to talk about health concerns. A study by TENA Men revealed that almost half of men who experience bladder leaks believe humour helps lighten the conversation around a serious health issue.
Almost two-fifths of men who’ve at least once experienced light incontinence and bladder weakness, say humour helps them feel more comfortable opening up as more than half said they worried about bladder weakness more than erectile dysfunction going bald.
The conditions they joked about most were having a beer belly, hair loss, erectile dysfunction, ageing and bladder weakness. Psychologist Jo Hemmings said men often use humour as a social coping mechanism to navigate serious issues, including health.
The survey found two-thirds of men don’t feel comfortable speaking about their bladder weakness with a partner and 77% don’t feel confident confiding in any friends or family. 46% feel uncomfortable listening to other men talk about their health issues too.
With 25% of men over the age of 40 experiencing bladder leaks, TENA is urging men to break the taboo and speak to people about any changes they notice and seek advice from a healthcare professional. Mark Geddes, Brand Manager at TENA Men, said: “Bladder weakness affects many men over 40, but social stigma often prevents them from seeking help.
“It was shocking to see that urine incontinence is the condition men worry about the most over conditions such as weight gain, erectile dysfunction and hair loss, when there’s so much that can be done to help manage and improve symptoms. We hope to inspire men to take control of their bladder health and open up the conversation.”
Jo Hemmings said: “Men often use humour as a social coping mechanism to navigate conversations around serious issues including their health. When discussing topics that may carry embarrassment or stigma, such as bladder weakness, humour allows them to approach the topic without feeling emasculated or seeming vulnerable.”
The Dry Hour launches on TENA Men’s social channels including Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Hosted by presenter and actor Justin Moorehouse, guests will include adaptive athlete Jamie Gane, Behavioural Psychologist Jo Hemmings and Prostate Cancer UK volunteer, Aldred Fagan.
