Health Information
Urinary Incontinence in Women
When To Call a Doctor
Call your doctor if:
- You have urinary incontinence that begins suddenly. This is called acute incontinence. It is often caused by urinary tract problems or medicines and can be easily corrected.
- The involuntary release of urine is enough of a problem that you need to wear an absorbent pad, or if incontinence interferes with your life in any way.
Don't be embarrassed to discuss urinary incontinence with your doctor. Urinary incontinence is not an inevitable result of aging. Most women with incontinence can be helped or cured.
Watchful waiting
If you have urinary incontinence that develops slowly, you may be able to control the problem yourself. If home treatment is not effective, or if incontinence interferes with your lifestyle, ask your doctor about other treatments.
Who to see
Health professionals who can diagnose and treat urinary incontinence include:
- Reference Family medicine doctors Opens New Window.
- Reference Physician assistants Opens New Window.
- Reference Nurse practitioners Opens New Window.
- Reference Obstetricians Opens New Window/Reference gynecologists Opens New Window (OB/GYN).
Your health professional may want you to see a doctor who specializes in problems of the urinary tract (Reference urologist Opens New Window) or who specializes in treating older people (Reference geriatrician Opens New Window).
If you need surgery, it is important to find a surgeon who is experienced in the types of surgical procedures used to treat incontinence.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference September 11, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
