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Women's experiences of assessment for urinary incontinence: a qualitative study
Lotte Miriam Eri Mjelde1, Anne Torine Litherland1, Elisabeth Grov Beisland2
1Urotherapist, Department of Gynaecology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
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.
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