Tests To Diagnose Urinary Incontinence

October 28, 2021

If you suffer from urinary incontinence you KNOW that you do. The evidence is indisputable, uncomfortable, and often embarrassing. You may wonder why diagnostic tests would even be considered.  Well, because incontinence is often a symptom of something else, it is important to know why it is happening. Once your doctor has this information, they can determine the best way to address your issues.

Diagnostic Tests

There are a number of tests used to diagnose incontinence, but before any are ordered you should undergo a complete physical and discuss your current situation with your physician. Information you should provide includes, but is not limited to:

• How much and what do you drink?
• Time of day that you are drinking?
• How often do you urinate?
• Do you experience leakage? 
• How much?
• How often?

Additional Tests

Based upon the results of your physical and your answers to the above questions your doctor may order additional tests. These can include one or more of the following.  Some of the tests that doctors begin with include:

• Cultures: This is almost always the first course of action. They are non-invasive and can be telling.  Either in your doctor’s office or a lab, you will be asked to urinate into a cup or jar. The sample will be analyzed to determine the presence of bacteria (a urinary tract infection) sugar in the urine, or blood in the urine.  This simple test can also diagnose prostatitis in men.
• Leakage Test/Pad Test: This simple non-invasive test simply measures how much urine is leaking by wearing an absorbent pad.
• Imaging: X-rays, Ultrasounds, and CT Scans can be used to see your bladder and urethra in more detail.
• Stress Test for Your Bladder: This test mimics when urine is expelled when sneezing and coughing or even laughing. 

Other tests may include an EMG, a Cystoscopy (where a tube is inserted into the Urethra), or a Cystourethrogram (X-rays taken while urinating). Finally, if you are considering surgery, your urologist may order what is known as urodynamic testing. This is a series of tests that can include measuring your urine flow rate (uroflowmetry), your urine pressure, and urine left in the bladder after you use the restroom.  It is important to be honest with your doctor and undergo the recommended testing. The information provided can help diagnose underlying issues and identify ways for you to live both a healthier and more enjoyable life. 

AT LIQUAGUARD® WE UNDERSTAND THAT INCONTINENCE CAN BE FRUSTRATING AND EMBARRASSING. WE RECOGNIZE HOW DIFFICULT IT CAN BE TO MANAGE, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. WE ENCOURAGE OUR CUSTOMERS TO CONSULT WITH THEIR PHYSICIANS AND WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPLY A BROAD RANGE OF PRODUCTS TO MAKE LIVING WITH INCONTINENCE A LITTLE BIT EASIER.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE OUR COMPLETE INVENTORY. AND, CALL US WITH QUESTIONS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU FIND THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR YOUR NEEDS. WE CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE.

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