Urinary Incontinence

How is the condition diagnosed?

People often live with incontinence without seeking help. Many cases can be cured or controlled if the treatment is started early.

The condition is diagnosed mainly on the pattern of symptoms. Different types of urinary incontinence are diagnosed if symptoms started recently and suddenly, or if they developed over a period of time. If symptoms started suddenly, the cause is most likely a bladder problem. The most common bladder problem is infection. Usually the cause can be discovered by a healthcare professional by taking a thorough history of the problem and performing a physical exam. A test of the urine, called a urine culture, must be done to check for infection.

Sometimes special tests during urination may be required.