Women's experiences of assessment for urinary incontinence: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

One in four women experience urinary incontinence. A woman's medical history, a physical examination and certain tests can guide specialists in diagnosing and offering treatment. Despite the high prevalence, little is known about women's experience of urinary incontinence assessment.

AIM: To explore the experience of a group of women undergoing an assessment for urinary incontinence.

METHODS

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 women who had been assessed for urinary incontinence. A thematic reflective analysis method was used.

FINDINGS: The women experienced a lot of shame and worry related to their urinary incontinence and the assessment. Having a safe relationship with the urotherapist was very important, and being given information about treatment options gave hope for a better life.

CONCLUSION

Urinary incontinence and its assessment are associated with shame and anxiety. A good patient-urotherapist relationship is paramount and learning that treatments are available made women feel more optimistic about the future.