A guide to what to expect during a medical examination for urinary incontinence. About two thirds of physicians never ask their older patients if they experience incontinence, and less than half of patients who have it report the condition to their doctor. In one survey, many physicians claimed they did not have the time to treat the patient. Many had no knowledge of treatments and did not realize that therapies are available that can help about two-thirds of people with incontinence.
Some doctors are as embarrassed about incontinence as are their patients.
It is important, however, for either the physician or the patient to raise the issue. The first step in the diagnosis of incontinence is a detailed history, including any medical conditions and patterns of urination. In order to provide this information to the physician, the patient might find it helpful to keep a diary for three to four days before the office visit. This diary, sometimes referred to as a voiding diary or log, should be a detailed record of daily eating and drinking habits and the times and amounts of normal urination. For each incident of incontinence, it should also include the amount of urine lost, whether the urge to urinate was present, and whether the patient was involved in physical activity at the time.