How to Talk to Your Doctor about Your Bladder Weakness Problem

Bladder control is a medical problem that can be treated. That's why it's important to open the lines of communication with your doctor. The more your doctor knows about you and your situation, the easier it will be for him or her to diagnose and treat your bladder control problem.

Still feeling tongue-tied? We'll start the conversation for you. To make it even easier to talk, you can print out a copy of this page and take it along on your next doctor's visit. And remember, your doctor has "seen it all" and "heard it all" before. They certainly aren't squeamish talking about medical concerns so you shouldn't be either. They just want to help you lead the best life you can.

Before You Go...to the Doctor

To help your doctor diagnose your bladder control problem, it's a good idea to keep a diary for one week of what you eat and drink, how often you go to the bathroom, and how often you leak urine.

How to Tell Your Doctor that You Have a Bladder Control Problem

What do you say to your doctor when you're describing your bladder control problem? Just fill in the blanks to the following questions:

• When does the problem occur?
• How long has bladder control been a problem?
• How much of a problem has this become?
• How many times do you have a bladder control problem each day?
• Are you aware of the need to urinate before you leak urine?
• Are you aware right away that you have leaked urine?
• Are you wet most of the day?
• Do you wear absorbent pads in case of accidents? Occasionally? All the time?
• Do you avoid social situations in case of accidents?
• Is it more difficult to control your urine when you cough, sneeze, strain, or laugh?
• Is it more difficult to control your urine when running, jumping or walking?
• Is the problem worse when sitting up or standing?
• Do you suffer from constipation?
• Is there anything you do to reduce or prevent accidents?
• Have you ever been treated for this condition before? When? What was the treatment? Did it help?

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

Now that you've described your bladder control problem, make sure the following questions are answered during your visit:

• Can you help me? If not, can you give me the name of a specialist I should see instead?
• Could my usual food or drinks cause bladder problems?
• Could my prescription or over-the-counter medications contribute to my bladder weakness problem?
• Could other medical conditions cause loss of bladder control, including a past surgery or injury? Could an illness or disease I have be the cause of my bladder control problem, and will the leakage stop with treatment?
• Is menopause affecting my ability to control my urine? Will losing weight help me?
• What tests should I have, if any, to determine the cause of my bladder control problem?
• Is my bladder weakness temporary or long-term? What kind of problem do you suspect I have?
• What are the treatments to regain bladder control? Which one is best for me?
• What are the benefits and side effects of the treatments? If you suggest I be treated with a medicine, will it interact with any other prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines I'm taking?
• What can I do about the odor and rash caused by urine?