Urinary Incontinence

Catherine E. DuBeau, MD

If I "leak" only mildly or just once in awhile, is it really a medical problem? Or just something that I should adjust to?

No one should feel that they have to "adjust" to incontinence! Although women are used to managing menstrual flow, they should not feel that they have to "manage" urine leakage with panty liners or pads. Nor should anyone feel that "this is what my mother had and I’ll just have to deal with it as well."

Although it is very uncommon, in some instances urinary incontinence can be the first warning sign of serious conditions such as neurological disease or cancer. Therefore, women should always discuss their leakage with their health care provider, who can assess whether there are reasons to suspect serious disease.

Catherine E. DuBeau, MD
Director, Geriatric Continence Clinic
University of Chicago
National Association for Continence
American Geriatric Association