What questions may my doctor ask about my incontinence?

Your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms, medical and surgical history, and family history, so make sure you’ve done your homework and kept a list of all your symptoms and problems. You will be questioned about your degree of discomfort, recent illnesses, and use of medications. Sometimes a simple change in prescription can cure incontinence.

You shouldn’t be embarrassed if your doctor asks you the following questions; if they’re not asked, be ready to offer the answers:

• Do you have issues with bladder control?

• Do you have trouble holding your urine?

• Do you feel that you empty completely?

• How often do you urinate during the day?

• How often do you wake at night to urinate?

• How much fluid do you drink per day?

• Are you constipated?

• Have you accidentally leaked urine with a physical activity such as
  coughing, sneezing, lifting, or exercising?

• How large an amount of urine do you lose?

• Have you felt a sudden urge to urinate that did not allow you to get
  to the toilet fast enough?

• Do you have pain or burning when you urinate?

• Does your bladder feel empty after you urinate?

• Do you feel any dropping of your bladder or uterus, and do you feel
  any bulging from your vagina?

• Do you feel pulling or pressure in your pelvis, especially when you’ve
  remained standing for a long period of time?

• Do you wear protective pads even though you don’t want to?

• Have your sexual habits changed?

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