Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
Enactive Phenomenological Approach to the Trier Social Stress Test: A Mixed Methods Point of View
Published on: January 7, 2019
Experiences of women and men living with urinary incontinence: A phenomenological study
Almudena Ortuño Esparza1, Miguel Ángel Cánovas Tomás2, Florentina Pina-Roche3
1Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Murcia, Spain.
Aims:
To explore and understand, from a gender-based perspective, the quality-of-life experiences of men and women who suffer from urinary incontinence.
Background:
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a major health problem with significant social, psychological, occupational, sexual and economic effects leading to a substantial decrease in quality of life. Although this condition is increasingly frequent in men, research has tended to focus on women, adopting a quantitative approach.
Design:
The data were examined using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA).
Methods:
The data were collected through a semi-structured interview conducted between January and June 2016. An inductive discourse content analysis was performed in three stages: preparation, organization and report. Participants were recruited until data saturation was achieved.
Findings:
A sample of 33 participants was recruited: 17 women and 16 men. Gender-specific features were found. Six categories emerged: (i) normalization of incontinence; (ii) verbalization of the problem; (iii) social isolation; (iv)experienced feelings and emotions; (v) impact on daily routine; (vi) self-care strategies to address the problem in the most suitable way.
Conclusion:
Urinary incontinence has a negative effect on the quality of life of men and women. However, there are gender differences as to how this phenomenon is experienced, particularly with regard to its psychological and social dimensions. A comprehensive, targeted assessment of the needs of these men and women is required on the part of professional nurses.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:13Introduction to Urinary System
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...
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...
01:12What is an Experiment?
03:20The Stanford Prison Experiment