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

Abstract

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. To explore the experience of a group of women undergoing an assessment for urinary incontinence. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 women who had been assessed for urinary incontinence. A thematic reflective analysis method was used. 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. 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.