Quality of life in women with Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) represents a common problem among women, and compromises their quality of life. The aim was to measure the quality of life of women with complaints of urinary incontinence. These women received medical care at the Urology Outpatient Care Center of a teaching hospital. Forty-three women who had complaints of UI were interviewed. All ethical principles for research involving human beings were respected. The average age was 50.7 years. 62.5% reported urinary leakage for 5-9 years. There were several allusions to physical and psychological damages caused by urinary incontinence: 33.5% to psychosocial interactions, 23.3% to sex life, 41.9% reported depression and social isolation, 27.9% sleep disorders and 76.7% embarrassment due to urine leakage. The obtained data permit amplified actions for treatment and counseling of women with urinary incontinence.