Women's experience of living with urinary incontinence

Background: The definition of urinary incontinence is involuntary loss of urine that is objectively detectable and results in a social and hygienic inconvenience for the individual. There are different types and causes of urinary incontinence and the symptoms often occur more frequently with higher age. Women are affected to a greater extent than men. Urinary incontinence may affect everyday life and lead to changes in quality of life. Aim: To illuminate women's experiences of living with urinary incontinence. Method: A literature study was conducted using qualitative analysis through five steps. An analysis of ten qualitative articles was carried out. Results: Four main themes emerged, a suffering in everyday life, perceived body perception, feelings about sexuality and hope and despair. The results showed that living with urinary incontinence affected everyday life activities. The women felt limited and learned to cope through different strategies. Urinary incontinence affected the women's body image and could result in less confidence and the feeling of powerlessness. The complex situation sometimes leads to negative sexual effects. Women lived with the hope to recover but at the same time there were feelings of despair for what the future would hold for them. Conclusion: Women suffering from urinary incontinence experience restrictions in their everyday life, in physical, mental and social aspects. It creates a feeling of loss of control. And many women suffer in silence without seeking help. Urinary incontinence has a negative effect on their quality of life