Incontinence Evaluation and Diagnosis

The embarrassing nature of bladder control problems can be a powerful deterrent for many women when it comes to talking to their physician about their incontinence. Women’s OB/GYN physicians are here to assure you that incontinence is nothing to be ashamed of — incontinence is one of the most common complaints from our patients, and there’s no reason to continue letting this treatable condition alter your everyday life.
We are very comfortable with discussing incontinence with our patients and sensitive to women’s anxiety and uneasiness around the topic. Please don’t be afraid to bring up incontinence during your appointment if your physician doesn’t ask you about it! We take great satisfaction in supporting our patients and helping them overcome all of their holistic needs.

Preparing for your visit

On your first appointment for incontinence at Women’s OB/GYN, your physician will ask you some general questions about your health and medical history. Come prepared to talk about:

• When you had your last pelvic exam.
• How many children you have given birth to and the type(s) of delivery.
• Symptoms you have experienced while urinating or during your bowel movements (difficulty emptying your bladder or pain during urination, constipation, diarrhea, leaking urine, etc.).
• When you first noticed your symptoms.
• Your medications and allergies, if any.

Voiding record

In order to make the most precise diagnosis, your physicians at Women’s OB/GYN Center encourage all patients to take an active role in their urinary health. This may include keeping a daily record of your bladder function, with detailed notes charting what you drink and how much, as well as when you urinate, how much urine you pass, and the type of symptoms that may be present at that time.

Bladder tests

There are several simple tests that may be completed during your office visit. In a bladder stress test, your Women’s OB/GYN physician may ask you to perform a voluntary coughing fit for several seconds while she watches for leakage of urine from the urinary opening. In a post void residual test, your physician will measure the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination by inserting a catheter in the bladder to drain the remaining fluid. Your physician may also order a urinalysis to test your urine for infection and/or other contributing causes, and in some cases your blood may be drawn.