Diagnostic Tests for Urinary incontinence

Diagnostic Test list for Urinary incontinence:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Urinary incontinence includes:

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Urinary incontinence causes:

Bladder & Urinary Health: Home Testing:
Prostate Health: Home Testing:
Kidney Health: Home Testing:

Tests and diagnosis discussion for Urinary incontinence:

The first step toward relief is to see a doctor who is well acquainted with incontinence to learn the type you have. A urologist specializes in the urinary tract. Gynecologists and obstetricians specialize in the woman's reproductive tract and childbirth. A urogynecologist focuses on urological problems in women. Family practitioners and internists see patients for all kinds of complaints. Any of these doctors may be able to help you.

To diagnose the problem, your doctor will first ask about symptoms and medical history. Your pattern of voiding and urine leakage may suggest the type of incontinence. Other obvious factors that can help define the problem include straining and discomfort, use of drugs, recent surgery, and illness. If your medical history does not define the problem, it will at least suggest which tests are needed.

Your doctor will physically examine you for signs of medical conditions causing incontinence, such as tumors that block the urinary tract, stool impaction, and poor reflexes or sensations, which may be evidence of a nerve-related cause.

Your doctor will measure your bladder capacity and residual urine for evidence of poorly functioning bladder muscles. To do this, you will drink plenty of fluids and urinate into a measuring pan, after which the doctor will measure any urine remaining in the bladder. Your doctor may also recommend

Stress test--You relax, then cough vigorously as the doctor watches for loss of urine.
Urinalysis--Urine is tested for evidence of infection, urinary stones, or other contributing causes.
Blood tests--Blood is taken, sent to a laboratory, and examined for substances related to causes of incontinence.
Ultrasound--Sound waves are used to "see" the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Cystoscopy--A thin tube with a tiny camera is inserted in the urethra and used to see the urethra and bladder.
Urodynamics--Various techniques measure pressure in the bladder and the flow of urine.

Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary to record when you void for a day or more, up to a week. This diary should note the times you urinate and the amounts of urine you produce. To measure your urine, you can use a special pan that fits over the toilet rim. (Source: excerpt from Urinary Incontinence in Women: NIDDK)

The first and most important step in treating incontinence is to see a doctor for a complete medical exam. The doctor will ask for a detailed history of your health and give you a physical exam. The doctor may want to check urine samples. You may be referred to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract, or to a gynecologist, a specialist in the female reproductive system. (Source: excerpt from Urinary Incontinence -- Age Page -- Health Information: NIA)

Conditions listing medical symptoms: Urinary incontinence:

The following list of conditions have 'Urinary incontinence' or similar listed as a symptom in our database. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom.

Select from the following alphabetical view of conditions which include a symptom of Urinary incontinence or choose View All.

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Conditions listing medical complications: Urinary incontinence:

The following list of medical conditions have 'Urinary incontinence' or similar listed as a medical complication in our database.

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