Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common yet underrecognized condition among women with significant physical, psychological, and social consequences. Despite its impact on quality of life, many affected women do not seek medical care due to embarrassment, stigma, or misconceptions. Limited data are available regarding the burden of UI in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of urinary incontinence and evaluate its impact on quality of life among women in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 442 women residing in Saudi Arabia using a structured self-administered electronic questionnaire. Data collection included sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric and medical history, urinary incontinence characteristics, and quality of life impact. Quality of life was assessed using Likert-scale responses. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Urinary incontinence was reported by 40.3% of participants, with stress urinary incontinence being the most common subtype (38.2%). Prevalence increased with age, reaching 61.1% among women aged 50 years or older. Moderate to severe impairment in overall quality of life was reported by 61.8% of affected participants. Emotional well-being was moderately to severely affected in 65.2%, while daily activities were affected in 61.8%. Despite this significant burden, only 36.0% sought medical advice, with embarrassment (36.8%) and belief that UI is normal (29.8%) being the main barriers.

Conclusion: Urinary incontinence is highly prevalent among women in Saudi Arabia and is associated with considerable impairment in quality of life. Despite the significant burden, healthcare-seeking behavior remains low due to social and cultural barriers. Increased awareness, early screening, and targeted public health interventions are essential to improve recognition and management among affected women.

Gofran M. Albraheem is a physician specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Al-Ahsa Maternity and Children's Hospital, Saudi Arabia. She is actively involved in clinical practice and research, with interests in women's reproductive health, urogynecology, pelvic floor disorders, and quality of life assessment in gynecological conditions.