Symptoms

Symptoms of incontinence and overactive bladder may differ from person to person but rarely go away on their own. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor.

• Have a need to urinate frequently -- more than eight times per day
• Have a need to urinate with feeling of urgency
• Leak frequently or constantly without feeling of urgency
• Leak urine due to sudden, unstoppable need to urinate
• Get up to urinate two or more times during the night
• Wet the bed
• Leak urine when you sneeze, laugh, cough, or exercise

These symptoms can cause a great deal of distress and discomfort and can significantly impact quality of life. Unfortunately, many people don't get the help they need, because they're too embarrassed to talk about what they're experiencing, or they think nothing can be done.

But incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging and can almost always be treated.

So don't put off seeing a doctor, even if you feel you're managing your symptoms on your own. Without treatment, symptoms may get worse, and the underlying problem may become more difficult to treat.