To evaluate the prevalence of healthcare-seeking behavior among patients with urinary incontinence and to identify key patient-related, social, and healthcare system barriers contributing to delayed or absent consultation.

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted over a 6-month period at a tertiary care center. Adult patients presenting to urology and general outpatient departments who reported symptoms of urinary incontinence were included. Data were collected using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, symptom severity and duration, awareness of treatment options, psychosocial factors, and prior healthcare-seeking behavior. Barriers to care were categorized into personal, social, and system-related domains. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of failure to seek medical consultation.

A total of 312 patients were included, with a mean age of 56.8 ± 14.2 years, of whom 62% were female. Overall, 68% of patients had never sought medical consultation for urinary incontinence. The most frequently reported barriers included embarrassment or shame (72%), perception of UI as a normal part of aging (64%), lack of awareness of available treatments (58%), and social stigma or fear of disclosure (51%). Additionally, 46% of patients relied on self-management strategies, such as use of absorbent products or fluid restriction, rather than seeking professional care. Notably, only 22% of participants were aware that urinary incontinence is treatable through medical or surgical means.
On multivariate analysis, female gender (OR 1.8), age greater than 60 years (OR 2.3), low educational status (OR 2.1), and symptom duration exceeding 2 years (OR 2.7) were independently associated with not seeking healthcare (p < 0.05).

The study demonstrates that a substantial proportion of patients with urinary incontinence do not seek medical attention, primarily due to modifiable psychosocial and knowledge-based barriers. Misconceptions regarding aging and persistent social stigma play a pivotal role in delayed presentation. These findings highlight the need for increased public awareness, patient education, and clinician-initiated screening strategies to identify affected individuals earlier.

Urinary incontinence remains underreported due to identifiable and potentially modifiable barriers. Addressing these through targeted educational initiatives, normalization of discussion, and improved accessibility to care can significantly enhance healthcare-seeking behavior and patient outcomes.
Bridging the gap between symptom onset and healthcare access can facilitate early diagnosis, optimize treatment outcomes, and reduce the long-term burden of untreated urinary incontinence on both patients and healthcare systems.
“Incontinence is not silent — patients are. It is time we change that.”

Continence 19S (2026) 102506
DOI: 10.1016/j.cont.2026.102506