Certain reflexes and touch sensitivity will be tested. The doctor will do a pelvic exam and look for signs of bladder or bowel prolapse. The strength of the pelvic floor muscles should be tested. This is done by having you squeeze against the fingers of the examiner while they are in the vagina. A rectal exam will be done.
Severe constipation can sometimes cause sudden onset incontinence.
Other simple office tests can also be done. A Q-tip test can determine if stress incontinence is part of the problem. A Q tip is inserted into the urethra and the patient is instructed to bear down or cough. Another office test is the stress pad test. A woman is given a pre-weighted pad, and with a comfortably full bladder, asked to cough or heel bounce.