Get Answers | How is Urinary Incontinence Diagnosed? - Bard Care

How is Urinary Incontinence Diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and give you a physical examination.  He/she may perform tests to find the cause of your urinary incontinence.1, 2, 6,10,11  You may need tests such as:

  • a cough stress test
  • urinalysis, which tests your urine sample to show the source of any problems
  • urodynamic testing, which includes several painless tests2 and helps your doctor understand how your urinary system is working.1,2

In some cases, your doctor may find causes of leakage that can be corrected.  Impacted stool, constipation, urinary tract infection and vaginal infection or irritation are some of these causes.  Medications you may be taking and restricted mobility are other causes that are not difficult to resolve.  Pads or diapers can prevent embarrassing leaks, but other treatment options may allow you to stop using them.2,10,11

Please note that this information provided by BARD Medical is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a medical professional. Information is as of 12/2014.  Please check references for updated information. 

References

  1. Urology Care Foundation – Neurogenic Bladder Symptoms http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=9#SymptomNB May 2014
  2. Urology Care Foundation – Loss of Bladder Control/Urinary Incontinence http://www.urologyhealth.org/_media/_pdf/AUA2014_BladderIncontinence_web.pdf 2014
  3. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) – Urinary Incontinence in Women http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/uiwomen/index.aspx September 2013
  4. Cleveland Clinic, Diseases and Conditions – Neurogenic Bladder http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/neurogenic_bladder/hic-neurogenic-bladder.aspx - Nov 2012
  5. Urology Care Foundation – Neurogenic Bladder Fact Sheet http://www.urologyhealth.org/_media/_pdf/BH_NeurogenicBladder_FactSheet_2014.pdf 2014
  6. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) – Urinary Incontinence in Men http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/KUDiseases/pubs/uimen/index.aspx June 2012
  7. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) – Urinary Incontinence in Children http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/KUDiseases/pubs/uichildren/index.aspx#6 June 2012
  8. Urology Care Foundation – Neurogenic Bladder http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=9&display=1   May 2014
  9. Mayo Clinic - Urinary Incontinence, Treatment and Drugs http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditionsurinary-incontinence/basics/treatment/con-20037883 Aug. 2014
  10. Slack A, Newman D, Wein A, Fast Facts: Bladder Disorders, Health Press, Oxford UK, 2011
  11. Urinary Incontinence , Pat D O’Donnell MD, Mosby Ltd, St Louis, 1997