Assessment of Incontinence...

Your continence advisor or doctor will run a series of routine investigations to find out more about the nature of your continence problems.

Keeping a diary of problems you are having with continence can help your doctor understand what type of problem you have and how best to treat it.

He will also want to know which medications you are taking, if any, and what sort of impact the incontinence is having on your life.

He is likely to take a sample of urine from the mid-stream (MSU) to analyse for infections, bladder stones or any other abnormalities.

He will carry out a physical examination:

• an examination of the abdomen to feel the bladder
• a pelvic examination to check the condition and position of the vagina, cervix, uterus, bladder and ovaries
• he will check for leakage under stress (when you cough or exercise)
• test the sensation on the perineal area (the skin between the genital area and the anus).
• A pad test indicates to the doctor how much urine you lose in an hour on average. When you have a full bladder the doctor will ask you to perform daily activities while wearing a pad.
• X rays or ultrasound can check on the health of the kidneys and urine outflow passages.
• A Cystoscopy may be done to check for polyps, tumours or stones.

Other investigations

A Urodynamic Assessment may take place. This is when the doctor fills the bladder with sterile fluid via a catheter to measure the pressure inside the bladder, the flow rate and volume of urine passed and to measure any urine that remains in the bladder. Sometimes the doctor will ask you to move around as the conducts these tests (ambulatory urodynamics).