Get answers to frequently asked questions about urinary incontinence types, causes, health factors, symptoms and the best products to use per type.
Frequently asked questions
What is incontinence?
With incontinence you lose urine or faeces when you don’t want to. This can be due to, for example, a physical or neurological disorder or a surgical procedure. Urine leakage can be from a few drops to the entire bladder contents. It can also be different every time of the day. Fecal incontinence can also come in different forms. The consequences of involuntary leakage of urine can have a major impact on your daily life. Incontinence can have negative effects on your work, household activities, sports, social life or sex life. Fortunately, there is much that can be done. Your doctor can advise you on the best treatment.
What makes me incontinent?
Incontinence can be caused by various physical problems. Examples include pregnancy, hormone changes, weight gain, diabetes, hysterectomy, muscle relaxation, urinary tract infections, continuous coughing, permanent intestinal blockage and surgery. Age, smoking and the use of medicines can also play a role.
Can incontinence be cured?
It is advisable to see a doctor for any form of urine loss. He can refer you to a urologist or gynaecologist. The urologist or gynecologist knows the latest treatment methods.
What types of urinary incontinence are there?
The four most common types of urinary incontinence are:
- Exercise or stress incontinence: you lose urine when you put pressure on the bladder, such as when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift, climb stairs, run or jump. This form is the most common in women.
- Urge incontinence (also called overactive bladder): Sudden, compelling urge to urinate followed by uncontrolled leakage of urine. You feel that the toilet should be directly below you when you feel the urge.
- Mixed incontinence: combination of stress and urge incontinence.
- Overflow incontinence: uncontrolled loss of urine through a full bladder. The full bladder can become enlarged by holding urine for too long and become hypersensitive. As a result, the full bladder can no longer handle the pressure and ‘overflows’.
How do I know if I have stress or urge incontinence (or both)?
It helps to keep a diary for 2 weeks. In the diary you always write:
- During which activity and at what time you felt the urge to urinate.
- When you have unintentionally lost urine.
- At what times did you pee on the toilet?
Discuss your findings with your doctor or continence nurse.
Are there medications for urinary incontinence?
There are good medicines for urge incontinence (also called urge incontinence). They reduce the urge signal to the spinal cord and brain. The time between urination is longer and it also reduces urine leakage. The effect and side effects vary. Your general practitioner can tell you more.
Can I function normally with urinary incontinence?
With urinary incontinence you can basically function normally. This does depend on the severity of the complaints. There are many tools on the market. An acceptable life is possible for most people. It is important that you use the right tools. For advice, please contact your doctor or continence nurse.
Can pelvic floor therapy help to reduce symptoms?
Are your complaints caused by the malfunctioning of your pelvic floor muscles? Then pelvic floor therapy can offer a solution. You learn to feel and use the muscles of the pelvic floor consciously. Even when surgery is unavoidable, it is still useful to train the pelvic floor muscles as well as possible. This helps to prevent the symptoms from returning.
Can I still go on holiday abroad?
That is possible. Are you traveling by plane? Then it is best to divide your incontinence material over your luggage. Always carry equipment in your hand luggage in case your bags don’t arrive. Extra luggage is always allowed. You usually need a medical statement from your doctor or nurse for this. If you are going abroad for a longer period of time, it is useful to check whether the material you use is also available locally. Many materials are available worldwide, but sometimes under a different name or article number.
How do I prevent people from 'smelling' me?
Your continence nurse will tell you which products you can use and tips for your personal hygiene. Use lukewarm water and no soap. This can cause your skin to dry out and become rough.
Why should I choose Unicare Company products?
Unicare Company is committed to provide peace of mind to those managing moderate to severe urinary or bowel incontinence. We offer:
- High-absorbency products and supplies.
- Affordable incontinence care for everyone.
- Ultra thin incontinence products for ultimate comfort and protection.
- Carbon neutral produced incontinence products.
Does Unicare Company care about the environment?
Unicare Company supplies incontinence products with CO2-Neutral certification. This CO2-neutral certification recognizes real and measurable commitments to sustainability efforts in manufacturing, sourcing and packaging.
Do you have different products for light, moderate or heavy leaks?
We carry a wide variety of products and supplies with varying levels of absorbency and protection. Visit our products pages:
- For active/mobile people we suggest our Premium product range.
- For inactive/not mobile people we suggest our Performer product range.
What are the different product types Unicare Company sells?
We sell an array of absorbent products, including:
- Incontinence Slips
- Incontinence Pants
- Ultra-Thin Pads
- Pads for Men
- Bed & Chair Pads
Can feminine pads be used as a substitute for incontinence pads?
No. Feminine pads or any style of menstrual pads should not be used for incontinence protection. Menstrual pads are not designed to absorb the output that incontinence pads can absorb. Menstrual liquid and urine are different and require unique products for absorbency and protection.
How can I contact Unicare Company?
You can contact us by phone (+5999 0000 0000) or e-mail. Please check our contact page for all e-mail addresses.
What are your opening hours?
Our care specialists are available during business hours. After hours, please visit the contact page and complete the necessary information and you’ll receive an answer as soon as possible.