Finding the Cause of Incontinence

To find out what's causing your incontinence -- and what can be done to treat it -- make an appointment to see a doctor.

Before you go, follow these steps to help you and your doctor better understand your symptoms and situation:

1. Take the RealAge Incontinence and OAB Quiz, if you haven't already. You'll get a printable list of your symptoms that you can take with you to share with your doctor.
2. Make a list of all the medications you're taking, and add it to your symptoms list.
3. Keep a diary for a few days to track your fluid intake and output. The more specific you are, the better. For each 3-hour period, make note of the following:
   • What and how much you drank
   • How much urine you voided when you went to the bathroom (A little or a lot? Did it feel like you emptied your bladder completely?)
   • How much leakage occurred (A little or a lot? Did you have to change your underwear or your clothes?)
   • What you were doing when the leakage occurred
   • What level of urgency you experienced before urinating (None? Mild? Strong?)
   
   

   Don't forget to note any nighttime disturbances:

   • How many times did you get up to go to the bathroom?
   • Were you able to empty your bladder?
   • Did you have an accident? If so, how severe was it?

Take this information to your doctor appointment. It will help the doctor determine what may be causing your bladder problems and what tests you may need.