Around one-third of women in Europe are affected by adult incontinence, and many of these are depressed as a result, a new study has found.

Incontinence is a loss of bladder control. The problem can range from mild to severe. For example, a person may leak urine if they sneeze or cough, or they may experience such a strong and sudden urge to urinate that they do not get to the toilet in time.

According to the study, one in three women in Europe aged over 18 is affected by the condition and among these, almost 50% say they feel depressed as a result. A further 59% admit to feeling anxious and nervous most of the time, while 63% feel embarrassed.

Almost half also experience negative thoughts about themselves, while 63% worry that they might smell.

The study also found that the condition can have a negative impact on relationships, with 33% of those affected admitting that it affects sexual intimacy with their partner. A similar number said that the condition causes relationship problems with their partner.

"In an age where celebrities seem happy to bare all and share all, adult incontinence seems to be one of the last taboos in our society. The results of this study reveal the true impact that one third of the female population in Europe is currently suffering, often in silence, with a condition wrongly associated with elderly women," commented GP, Dr Sarah Jarvis.

She pointed out that this condition can actually affect women at any age and can be caused by many things including strenuous exercise, childbirth and the menopause.

Dr Jarvis added that many women do not tell anyone about the problem, even their doctor, and as a result, they are not aware that there are products out there for sensitive bladders.

The quality of life study was conducted by Always Discreet.