Nearly three-quarters of men use humour as a way to discuss their health concerns

2,000 guys took part in a study

Designed by male incontinence brand TENA Men, this survey revealed how 49% of 2,000 participants experiencing bladder leaks believed that cracking a joke helps to lighten the conversation.

39% of them claimed humour helps them to feel more comfortable opening up, while as much as 57% said they worried about bladder weakness more than erectile dysfunction (40%) or baldness (23%).

As for the condition they had a laugh about the most, this was the good old beer belly (58%), followed by hair loss (55%), erectile dysfunction (44%), ageing (27%) and lastly, bladder weakness (26%).

According to the research, 68% of men struggling with incontinence believed there's a certain stigma still looming over the airing of health concerns.

It also showed how two-thirds feel uncomfortable with speaking to their partner about things - as much as 77% amongst family and friends.

Mark Geddes, brand manager at TENA Men, went on to reflect in a statement: "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."

Rather tellingly, 57% of the thousands that took part in the study revealed they'd feel a lot more game for talking about their health stuff if others did the same.

Conversely, a concerning 46% admitted they'd be uncomfortable hearing all about other men's problems.

Summing up the whole sorry situation, behaviour and media psychologist Jo Hemmings shared: "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."

To find out more about TENA's mission to break the stigma around bladder health, visit: https://www.tena.co.uk/men/real-life-stories/dry-hour