Urinary Incontinence

Rebecca Rogers, MD

How should I mention my "leaking problem" to my doctor? What if he or she dismisses by concerns?

Effective communication with your doctor requires some homework on your part. Since time is often limited during regular check up visits, making a separate appointment for a discussion of your bladder control problems may be one strategy to help bring up the subject. Before the visit, write down a list of your symptoms and questions that you have regarding incontinence. This will help to ensure that your questions are answered. Remember, doctors are not mind readers! They also rely on effective communication from you regarding your health.

If your doctor is not comfortable with treating urinary incontinence, then ask him or her to refer you to someone who commonly treats incontinence. Some providers who specialize in the treatment of urinary incontinence include gynecologists, urologists or urogynecologists. There are multiple web based resources for people with incontinence including the National Association for Continence the American Urogynecologic Society and the Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology. Some of these sites list providers in your area who are comfortable with treating incontinence.

Remember, you are not alone. Many people with incontinence feel that they are the only one with the problem, which makes bringing up the subject with your doctor even more challenging. Unfortunately, incontinence is quite common, so your doctor probably has other patients dealing with similar problems, and if he or she is uncomfortable treating it, knows where to send patients for treatment. Incontinence is like many other medical problems -- you did not choose to be incontinent, but you can choose to seek help.

Rebecca Rogers, M.D.
Director, Division of Urogynecology
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
American Urogynecological Society
National Association for Continence