The first step toward successful treatment is to determine the type of incontinence and the cause. A doctor's evaluation usually includes a physical examination, medical history, and urine tests. The patient may be asked to keep a bladder record and may be referred to a urologist or urogynecologist for more specialized follow-up testing. Generally, those options that are least invasive, dangerous or expensive are tried first. Behavioral options require patients to learn new behaviors to help them regain control over urination.
Behavioral methods work best with motivated patients willing to invest time and effort.
Behavioral treatments are generally free of side effects, noninvasive, and don't limit further treatment options. For people with urge incontinence, bladder or habit training can help reassert control over the bladder. The patient is instructed to urinate at intervals, say, every hour or so. After achieving dryness for a few days, the interval increases. This cycle continues until the patient attains an acceptable interval of several hours.