title: The effects of urinary incontinence and availability of publically accessible toilets: an online survey.
abstract: Previous surveys on www.menopausematters.co.uk and published in this journal show that women are reluctant to seek help for reduced libido, vaginal atrophy and dyspareunia despite adverse effects on health and wellbeing. Additionally, health professionals frequently fail to explore these areas during consultations despite proven treatments being available. Women suffering urinary incontinence (UI) show similar trends in their reticence to seek help and in their health professionals addressing their issues. These issues must be addressed through patient empowerment and direct questioning from health professionals. Well maintained, publically accessible toilets are also an important provision to achieving a holistic approach to UI.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin, Moray IV301SN, UK. grant.cumming@nhs.net
authors.forename: Grant P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Cumming
authors.forename: Heather D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Currie
authors.forename: Rik
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moncur
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014038:Toilet Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D016387:Women's Health