How is Urinary Incontinence Diagnosed?
In order to treat urinary incontinence, first it should be diagnosed. It is important to determine the type of incontinence and its severity. The symptoms will give a clear idea of the type of incontinence. The GP (stands for general practitioner, is a medical doctor who treats the chronic and acute illness and provides proper guidance and medications to the patient) will proceed the treatment procedures accordingly. The patient has to be very clear to the GP. Each and every detail of the illness should be told to the doctor. The patient should not hesitate because it is a very common problem. The diagnosis of the incontinence proceeds in the following way:
Medical History
First, the doctor will ask many…show more content… This can be done in following ways:
Pelvic exam
It refers to a visual and physical analysis of the pelvic area. The doctor examines the patient with a full bladder and asks him/her to cough. This test is known as cough stress test. Any leakage means the person is suffering from incontinence. Then the doctor slides a gloved, lubricated finger into the vagina and checks for any prolapsed bladder (bladder is no longer supported and descends loosely) or other physical problem that may be the cause of incontinence. Then the doctor may ask the patient to squeeze the pelvic floor muscles to determine the strength of the muscles.
Digital rectal exam
In this exam, rectal of the patient is physically examined by the doctor. The doctor slides a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and analyzes the stool that may cause incontinence.
Dipstick Test
If the symptoms are caused by the urinary tract infection then, the doctor may ask the patient to give his urine sample for bacteria test. A chemically treated stick is dipped into the urine. If the stick changes color then, bacteria is present. This test also checks the blood and protein levels in urine.
Residual Urine