Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as any involuntary loss of urine, which can lead to significant hygiene, emotional, and social challenges for individuals. However, it is a global concern among all populations, particularly affecting women throughout their lives. This review and meta-analysis aimed to enhance the current understanding of the prevalence of UI among Iranian women.

We conducted an electronic search to find relevant articles from January 1990 to March 2025. The following databases included PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Biosis. We targeted women who are living in Iran and used a set of keywords, including UI, Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI), Mixed Urinary Incontinence (MUI), epidemiology, prevalence, frequency, women, and Iran. The study incorporated full-text articles in both English and Persian languages. A total of 23 cross-sectional studies were included in the review, with 22 articles, encompassing 27,690 participants, included in the meta-analysis. The quality of the studies was assessed using “Methodological guidance for systematic reviews of observational epidemiological studies reporting prevalence and cumulative incidence data from the Joanna Briggs Institute.” We used Egger’s test and Begg’s test to evaluate the publication bias of the selected studies. Data analysis was performed using the statistical software of MedCalc (version 22.009).

This study estimated the overall prevalence of UI to be 39.98% (95% CI: 30.54–49.82). The most prevalent subtype was SUI, affecting 26.88% (95% CI: 20.00–34.37) of women. Overactive bladder (OAB) and UUI affected 20.13% (95% CI: 15.70–24.95) and 17.09% (95% CI: 9.38–26.55) of women, respectively. Furthermore, MUI followed, with a prevalence of 14.99% (95% CI: 6.62–25.98).

Considering the relatively high prevalence of UI among Iranian women, further research is needed to explore the underlying factors and to develop effective prevention, management, and treatment strategies in the society.

Urinary incontinence is a public health burden. Having information about the general epidemiology of UI and its risk factors will lead the health care system to a better treatment service.

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