Skip to main content
Older man and middle-aged woman listening to a physician.

Getting diagnosed with incontinence

Getting diagnosed with incontinence can be the first step toward choosing a treatment option.

Find a doctor

How incontinence is diagnosed

Getting treatment starts with confirming the type of incontinence you may have. A doctor can do this through medical assessment and testing that allows the doctor to determine how your bladder and bowels are working.

Talking to your doctor about incontinence symptoms

Talking about your symptoms, such as uncontrollable leakage or frequent urges to use the bathroom, may seem embarrassing, but in order to understand treatment options, it’s important to take the first step by talking to your doctor.

Not sure where to start? Go to conversation starters

What to expect at the doctor’s office

When you start a conversation about your incontinence symptoms, your doctor may want to perform a physical exam, ask questions about your symptoms, or perform other tests.

Physical exam and basic testing

Your doctor may do a quick exam and recommend testing. This can help rule out other conditions and show whether the muscles and nerves are working as they should.

Symptom diary

Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your bathroom habits, including:

  • How often you go
  • When leakage happens
  • How much you eat or drink

This can help the doctor see patterns and narrow down the type of incontinence.

Specialized testing (if needed)

For some patients, additional testing may be recommended. These tests can give the doctor a clearer picture if your symptoms are complex.

Why seeing a specialist matters

A primary care doctor can be a good place to start, but specialists such as urologists and urogynecologists specialize in bladder and pelvic health.

They can:

  • Use advanced testing to better understand your condition.
  • Confirm the type of incontinence you may have.
  • Offer a wider range of treatment options, including advanced therapies.
  • Help you avoid delays or trial-and-error approaches.

If your symptoms are persistent or affecting your quality of life, consider asking your doctor for a referral to a specialist. The right care team can make all the difference in finding a treatment that works for you.

After you get diagnosed with incontinence

If your doctor diagnoses you with incontinence, you can begin to assess your treatment options. Along with lifestyle changes, behavioral changes, and/or medication, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive procedure.

Learn more about treatment options