Urinary incontinence, however, can have serious emotional effects. Many people feel embarrassed, helpless, or angry. In a recent survey of physicians, nearly all of them reported that a patient's embarrassment and reluctance to discuss bladder problems is a major barrier to successful treatment. Incontinence caused by an illness, such as stroke, or treatments, such as those for prostate cancer, is a major cause of depression. To prevent humiliation by wetness or odors, people with incontinence may totally alter their way of life.
Routine errands become very difficult.
Public bathrooms are often scarce and difficult to locate. The problem is particularly severe for those with urge incontinence who have little time to reach a bathroom and have large volume spills. Eventually, patients may curtail social activities, or give them up entirely and many even believe that they are unemployable. In such cases, complications include bacterial infections of the blood and the urinary tract, and ulceration and erosion of the bladder. While medical evaluations and treatments are generally covered, at least in part, by insurance, the individual most often bears the cost of absorbent pads or pants and of unconventional treatments, such as biofeedback.