How to Talk to Your Doctor About Urinary Incontinence
The first step in diagnosing urinary incontinence is to talk to your doctor and/or healthcare provider about the symptoms you are experiencing. Some people find it helpful to use questions like these to help begin the conversation:
- I am afraid to be too far from a bathroom or change of clothes because of leaking. What can I do to manage this problem better?
- I've changed my daily habits because I am afraid of "accidents". What can I do to get my life back?
- I have stopped exercising or playing sports because I leak urine. Can you help me get back to doing the things I enjoy?
- I have become uncomfortable with myself and my body because I leak urine. What can I do to regain control?
- I avoid having sex because I am worried that I may leak. Please help me learn some strategies to help with this?
Prepare A List of Symptoms & Questions Before Your Doctor's Appointment
Before your visit write down your symptoms and questions. Write down a list of:
- Your symptoms, how they affect you, and how often they occur
- How often you go to the bathroom, or if you have any leaks or accidents
- Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and herbal medicines you take
- Past and current illnesses, surgeries or injuries
- Questions you want to ask & bring up the topic
Talk About Incontinence Management
When you speak with your doctor about incontinence, it helps to have a bladder diary on hand. The bladder diary is a tool used to track urinary patterns and lifestyle habits:
- How many times a day you urinate,
- When you experience accidental leaks (daytime, bedtime),
- Your eating / drinking patterns for the last few days (e.g. water, caffeine intake)
Do I need to see a specialist for incontinence?
If you do not have a regular doctor, start with finding a Primary Care Provider who can often initiate treatment without sending you to a specialist. If necessary, they can refer you to a urologist or gynecologist. These are doctors who have more experience with pelvic floor conditions and may specialize in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) for more advanced treatment plans.
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