Living with urinary incontinence : Women's experiences and perspectives

Background: Urinary incontinence is a common but often taboo condition that affects both physical and mental health. It can be caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles, neurological diseases, or other medical conditions. Nurses play a crucial role in identifying problems, providing support, and informing patients about treatment options such as pelvic floor training, lifestyle changes, and medical interventions. Increased awareness and a safe healthcare environment can improve the quality of life for those affected. Aim: The aim was to highlight women’s experiences of living with urinary incontinence. Method: A general literature review was conducted, including only scientific articles with a qualitative approach. The databases used for article searches were CINAHL and PubMed. The articles were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes were identified: emotional and psychological consequences, social and relational limitations, practical and physical adaptations, and lack of knowledge and support from healthcare services. Conclusion: Living with urinary incontinence affects women physically, psychologically, and socially, often leading to shame and isolation. A lack of support from healthcare services makes seeking help more difficult. Person-centered care with increased awareness and information can reduce stigma and improve quality of life. Future research should focus on individualized support and digital solutions.