Up to half of all women are likely to experience incontinence at some point and may benefit from incontinence products, a study has found.

Researchers at Stirling Royal Infirmary conducted a review of research and found that, in many cases, the psychological impact of female incontinence is actually greater than that of the condition itself.

This is because, despite effective treatments for both stress incontinence and overactive bladder, many women still associate the conditions with stigma and humiliation.

The review, which is published in the Obstetricians & Gynaecologist journal, therefore concluded that many women experience a reduced quality of life as a result of urinary incontinence.

Jason Waugh, the journal's editor-in-chief, observed that incontinence can cause a "huge" amount of distress.

He said: "Improved awareness of the condition will lead to better management and ultimately better outcomes for women.

"It is important that specialists are aware of the damaging psychological impact of the condition and understand that every woman is different and individual requirements need to be taken into account."