You may feel embarrassed to talk about such a personal thing. Or, like many women, you may feel ashamed about loss of bladder control.

But when you learn it's a medical problem, you know it's not your fault. Millions of other women have the same problem.

Your health care team can help you. Nearly everyone with a bladder control problem can be helped.

You need to ask the doctor questions. And the doctor needs to ask you questions. By talking, you will learn:

• Why you have a bladder control problem
• Which treatment is right for you

Even if you feel shy, it is up to you to take the first step. Some doctors don't treat bladder control problems, so they don't ask about it. Others might expect you to bring up the subject.

Because bladder control problems are common, your doctor has probably heard many stories like yours. If your doctor does not treat bladder problems, ask for help finding someone who can help you.

The good news is that most people with bladder control problems can get better, with the help of their health care team.

What Questions Should You Ask?

These questions can help your health care team find the cause of your bladder control problem.

• Could my usual food or drinks cause bladder problems?
• Could my medicines (prescription or over-the-counter drugs) cause bladder problems?
• Could other medical conditions cause loss of bladder control?
• What are the treatments to regain bladder control? Which one is best for me?
• Can you help me, or can you tell me whom I should see instead?
• What can I do about the odor and rash caused by urine?

Before going to see your doctor, print out the following form and answer the questions. Check off the statements that apply to you. Fill in dates and other information. Show this form to your doctor at your next visit.

What Your Doctor Needs to Know

I take these prescription medicines:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
I take these over-the-counter drugs (such as Tylenol, aspirin or Maalox):
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

If you take more medicines, please list them on a separate paper.

I started having bladder trouble
Recently
1 to 2 years ago
_____ years ago

Number of babies I have had:_____________________
Dates: _________________________________________

My periods have stopped (menopause).
Date: __________________________________________

I recently had an operation.
Date: __________________________________________
Type of operation: ________________________________

I recently hurt myself or have been sick.
Date: _________________________________________
Type of injury or illness: ____________________________

I recently had a bladder (urinary tract) infection.
Date: _________________________________________

I am often constipated.

I have pain or a burning feeling when I go to the toilet.

I often have a really strong urge to go to the toilet right away.

Sometimes my bladder feels full, even after I go to the toilet.

I go to the toilet often, but very little urine comes out.

I don't go out with friends or family because I worry about leaking urine.

The first thing I do at new places is check the bathroom location.

I worry about being put in a nursing home because of bladder control problems.

I have (or had) these medical problems:

Cancer	Constipation
Crippling arthritis	Depression
Diabetes	Diverticulitis
Interstitial cystitis	Multiple sclerosis
Spinal cord injury	Stroke
Urinary infection

I smoke cigarettes.

Does Treatment Work?

Treatment usually works. Many people greatly improve their bladder control. Regaining control helps people enjoy healthier and happier lives.

Additional Resource

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3580
E-mail: nkudic@info.niddk.nih.gov

Updated: August 2003

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health

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