Frequently Asked Questions

Urinary incontinence means the involuntary leakage of urine that a person cannot completely control. It can occur at any age and for many different reasons. For some people it is only a minor inconvenience, while for others it significantly affects everyday life. Nevertheless, a person remains the same person – they simply face a challenge that most people cannot see.

Incontinence can affect women and men, young and older people. It can occur after childbirth, surgery or injury, with neurological conditions or, for example, in connection with diabetes. In some people, long-term stress or psychological strain can also trigger or significantly worsen symptoms. Sometimes it develops gradually, while at other times it appears unexpectedly. Every story is different, but they all have one thing in common – incontinence does not choose based on age, profession or lifestyle.

No. It is estimated that more than 400 million people worldwide live with some form of incontinence. It is also much more common in the Czech Republic than most people think – according to professional data, more than 36% of people over the age of 15 experience some form of incontinence. Yet incontinence remains one of the least discussed health topics. Many people are ashamed to talk about their difficulties, which can create the false impression that it is something unusual. In reality, incontinence is much more common than most people realise.

Many people worry that they will not be understood or that others will look at them differently. Some are even ashamed to confide in their closest relatives or their doctor. Yet open communication is precisely what helps break down prejudice and shows that incontinence is not a reason for shame or isolation. The more we talk about it with respect and understanding, the easier life can be for the people it affects.

Yes. Most people with incontinence go to work just like everyone else. They include teachers, healthcare professionals, drivers, office workers, electricians and people in many other professions. Their surroundings often have no idea that they live with incontinence. Yet every working day can be more challenging – planning breaks, access to toilets or worrying about an unexpected situation are challenges that most people around them never see.

Yes. Incontinence does not mean the end of an active life. Many people continue to go for walks, cycle, swim or take part in other sports. Sometimes it is necessary to choose a more suitable activity or take a few practical measures, but physical activity can actually be beneficial for both the body and psychological well-being. Everyone should discuss their options with a doctor or physiotherapist if incontinence causes significant difficulties.

Yes. People with incontinence travel for work, on holiday and to visit family just like everyone else. However, travelling often requires more careful planning. Many people check the availability of toilets in advance, carry spare continence products or plan regular stops. What is an ordinary journey for most people can require careful preparation for someone with incontinence. Nevertheless, there is no reason to give up discovering new places or experiences.

Everyone experiences incontinence differently. For some, long meetings or travelling are the most challenging, while others worry about cultural events, sport or spending a longer period away from home. Many people struggle more with the psychological burden than with the health problem itself – for example, fear of an unexpected situation or other people’s reactions. Understanding and consideration can help more than we often realise.

For most people, the day begins simply – they get dressed and leave home. A person with incontinence, however, often thinks about things that others do not have to consider at all. Do I have enough continence products with me? Will there be toilets along the way? How long will I be away from home? These questions can be part of every working day, trip or visit to friends. Yet most people around them notice nothing. This is why incontinence is often described as an invisible condition – it is not visible at first glance, but it can significantly affect everyday life.

No. Although incontinence is more common in older age, it can affect people of all ages. It can affect women after childbirth, people after surgery or injuries, patients with neurological conditions, as well as younger people regardless of their profession or lifestyle. The idea that it is exclusively a problem of older people is one of the most widespread myths.

In most cases, no. People with incontinence go to work, exercise, travel, shop and spend time with their families just like everyone else. Many use modern continence products that are not visible under normal clothing. This is precisely why incontinence is often called an invisible condition – people around them usually do not notice it at all.

Absolutely not. Incontinence is a health condition, not a sign of poor hygiene. People with incontinence usually pay much more attention to personal hygiene than most others. They use specialised continence products, protective products and skincare products so they can live actively, with dignity and without worry.

The reason is usually not the incontinence itself, but the fear of being misunderstood or judged. Many people are afraid that others will see them differently or make fun of them. That is why they often do not talk about their difficulties even with people close to them. Open and sensitive communication can help break down prejudice and show that incontinence is nothing to be ashamed of. What is shameful is judging someone because of a health condition they did not choose.

Above all, with respect and understanding. For many people, it is very difficult even to talk about incontinence. If someone confides in you, listen without judging them and let them know that you will not change the way you see them. Sometimes the greatest help is a simple sentence: “Thank you for trusting me.”

Avoid belittling comments, jokes or statements such as “Surely you can hold it.”, “That only happens to old people.” or “You just need to learn to hold it again and make it to the toilet.” Such statements may sound like well-intentioned advice, but to a person with incontinence they can create the feeling that they are responsible for their problem or that they are not trying hard enough. Even a well-intentioned remark can hurt someone and make them feel that they should not talk about their difficulties. Instead of advice, it is often more important to show understanding and let the person know that they are not alone.

Support begins with understanding. Respect your loved one’s privacy, do not undermine their self-confidence and let them decide what they want to share. Offer help if they want it, but do not make incontinence the centre of your relationship. A person with incontinence is still the same partner, parent, child or friend – they simply deal with one additional challenge every day.

Every one of us can contribute to helping people with incontinence feel more comfortable in society. It is enough to talk about the topic with respect, avoid spreading prejudice and recognise that a health problem says nothing about a person’s value. Understanding begins with a willingness to listen. Perhaps because of your attitude, someone will find the courage to stop feeling ashamed and ask for help.