Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
Real-Time Void Spot Assay
Published on: February 10, 2023
The greatest taboo: urinary incontinence as a source of shame and embarrassment
Ksenia Elenskaia1, Karin Haidvogel, Christine Heidinger
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. ksenia.elenskaia@meduniwien.ac.at
Introduction:
While urinary incontinence is often labeled as a taboo in the literature, we found no scientific data addressing this issue exclusively. The aim of our study was to measure the perception of urinary incontinence as a taboo and how this compares to other medical conditions that may be embarrassing.
Methods:
150 test persons completed a self-administered 13-item questionnaire about perception and knowledge of urinary incontinence. Data were analysed with the SPSS 10.0.5 software package using the U-test, Chi-square-test, Yates-correction, Fisher's exact test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
Results:
Eighty-six (60.6%) of 142 respondents thought that urinary incontinence constituted a taboo in Austria. To be incontinent was considered significantly more embarrassing than depression or cancer, respectively (p = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Despite its high prevalence, urinary incontinence is still considered a taboo in up to 60% of our Austrian test persons. The level of shame and embarrassment of urinary incontinence is significantly higher than that of depression and cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Urinary Bladder
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
01:20Disorders of the Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
01:19Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
01:21Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History
01:26The Micturition Reflex
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
01:17Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management