Or, if you are already seeing your doctor for another reason, don t wait until the end of the appointment to bring up your symptoms. The doctor will need time to evaluate your symptoms and find out if they are related to another condition. Women who have had children will need to discuss their pregnancy and childbirth experiences. At the doctor s office After the doctor has asked you questions and reviewed any written information that you provided, you may undergo a physical exam. In addition, the doctor may want to perform some simple tests to help find the reason for your problem.
Urinalysis is one of the most commonly used tests for the evaluation of bladder control problems.
It involves the in-depth examination of a urine sample, which is analyzed to determine whether your symptoms are caused by overactive bladder or another problem, such as a urinary tract infection. If further tests are needed, a family doctor or gynecologist may refer you to a urologist. Such tests are only performed when the doctor feels that more information is required to confirm or clarify a diagnosis. One of these tests, called cystoscopy involves the use of a thin telescope, to allow the doctor to see the inside of the bladder to check for tumors or stones, which can mimic the symptoms of the overactive bladder. An x-ray test called a cystogram may also be used to examine how the position of the bladder and urethra changes during normal urinating, coughing, or straining.