Talking about incontinence with humor: How Willy makes conversations easier

For many people, talking about incontinence brings a sense of awkwardness or embarrassment – sometimes even with close friends or healthcare providers. Willy, a playful educational figure shaped like a small plush penis, shows how humor can lower barriers and make conversations easier. On social media, in care settings, and at REHACARE, Willy helps make a sensitive, often taboo topic more understandable and approachable.

In brief: What "Willy weiß wie" offers

A low-threshold way into a sensitive, often stigmatized topic
A humorous, neutral educational figure – independent from any specific manufacturer
Shares easy-to-understand information about incontinence and available aids
Supports people with incontinence, their families, and professionals in everyday life
Helps lower barriers for questions and conversations

Why talking about incontinence is difficult – and how Willy makes it easier

At the customer service desk of Manfred Sauer GmbH, Stefanie Boch and Verena Sigmann regularly experience how hard it is for people to talk about incontinence – especially on the phone or in face-to-face conversations. The idea of using a humorous figure in these situations originally came from the UK, where the character is known as "Willy Knows How". The German name later became its local adaptation. Early use quickly showed that humor opens doors.

For younger people, it’s often easier to share their questions about incontinence with a small, cute plush penis than with someone on the phone.

Willy now acts as a neutral icebreaker: he explains basics, addresses common questions, and doesn’t point users toward products from just one manufacturer. For many, he makes it easier to take the first step and talk about concerns or uncertainties at all.

What Willy aims to achieve: education without shame

Many people have little awareness of which continence products exist or how they could improve their situation. Uncertainty, embarrassment, or a lack of information often lead them to avoid seeking advice – or to skip contacting a doctor altogether.

Willy steps in right at this point: through social media – especially on his Instagram channel "Willy weiß wie" – the character provides accessible information, explains differences between continence products, and highlights that incontinence can affect people of any age or background.

We want people to understand: 'Incontinence is normal. I can talk about it!'.

This playful approach creates a space without judgment – one where questions are welcome.

How people respond – and why humor works

Plush figure Willy with a urinal condom on his head in an exhibition hall

Many conversations at REHACARE started exactly like this: Willy in hand – and suddenly it became easier to talk about real, everyday questions. © Willy weiß wie

Initial feedback has been very positive: caregivers, trainees, people with incontinence and their relatives all report that Willy helps lower barriers and makes conversations easier. Especially in pediatric and youth settings, he helps explain applications or routines in a way that feels approachable.

At REHACARE, it also became clear how high the overall need for information is. Many visitors had not been aware of how diverse continence products are – or how much they can simplify daily life. Often this was simply due to missing information or because the topic felt uncomfortable to address.

Willy reduces that pressure and creates an atmosphere in which exchange becomes possible. His playful, humorous approach makes complex or sensitive topics feel lighter.

Why education is key to self-determination

Shame or worry about accidents can lead people to decline invitations, avoid activities, or withdraw from social life altogether.

No one should have to feel ashamed of their body.

Open conversations – whether online, in care settings, or within one’s personal circle – help people find solutions early and regain a sense of autonomy. This includes knowing that there are alternatives to traditional pads or diapers, and that different continence products can offer advantages depending on the situation.

Willy makes this access easier. He provides relaxed, judgment-free information and shows that it’s okay to ask questions – and that clear, understandable answers exist.

What many people don’t know: Common types of incontinence

Stress incontinence – e.g., leakage when coughing, sneezing, or lifting
Urge incontinence – a sudden, hard-to-control need to urinate
Mixed incontinence – a combination of stress and urge symptoms
Neurologically caused incontinence – e.g., after spinal cord injury, with multiple sclerosis, or following surgery

Many people only learn late that different causes often require different types of continence products or support.

Support in everyday life with incontinence: More about the bladder sensor from inContAlert

Nadine Lormis smiles in to the camera; Copyright: Victoria Emanuel

Author: Nadine Lormis | REHACARE eMag

Nadine Lormis has been writing about (digital) developments in the assistive technology sector, self-determined living and inclusion for over 15 years. As editorial director of the REHACARE eMag, she is closely networked with the community of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses – both professionally and personally.

Published on: December 16, 2025

Gif animation: REHACARE 2026 from 23 to 26 September 2026 in Düsseldorf/Germany, linked to "More information about the Trade Fair"

Discover more about:

You can also read:

Self-driving wheelchair user in a modified car; linked to video