Symptoms of urinary incontinence range anywhere from the occasional leaking of urine to uncontrollable wetting, and are the result of the type incontinence experienced, including:
- Stress incontinence - the loss of bladder control when pressure is exerted on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing or exercising
- Urge incontinence - the loss of bladder control resulting in the sudden, intense urge to urinate that cannot be halted
- Overflow incontinence - the loss of bladder control resulting in constant dribbling usually associated with urinating frequently and in small amounts
- Mixed incontinence - loss of bladder control in which symptoms of multiple types are experienced
A thorough medical examination, including urine and blood tests, ultrasounds and a review of your medical history may be used to diagnose urinary incontinence. Your doctor may also ask you to keep a bladder diary for several days, including how much you drink, when and how much you urinate, and any related urges and leakage.
A cystoscopy may be performed to diagnose urinary incontinence.
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