Chapter 5: Do I need evaluation and treatment?

This is perhaps the most critical decision you will make when you are dealing with a bladder control problem. There are some medical conditions that can mimic or accompany bladder control problems. These conditions include urinary tract infections and even bladder tumors. These conditions can be easily ruled out during your first clinic visit by simple screening evaluation: being asked a few questions, having a basic physical examination, and giving a urine sample. It is therefore recommended that every woman who has bladder control problem will consult a physician. This is especially true if you have blood in your urine (hematuria) or pain.

These conditions are found in only a small minority of patients who arrive at the doctor’s office with bladder control symptoms. Most women will have stress incontinence, overactive bladder or combination of the two conditions.

Once other conditions are ruled out you may decide for yourself if you need to be treated. Stress incontinence and overactive bladder are quality of life issues. Bladder control problems are inconvenient, disruptive, sometimes socially isolating, but they rarely end up being a serious health risk.

Since you are the only one who knows to what extent and degree you are troubled by the condition, you are the best person to decide whether it should be further evaluated and treated. You may also choose to live with it. It is your choice. In order to make the right decision for yourself you will need to learn what it takes to evaluate and treat your bladder control problem. Information is the key to any decision making and this is what this book is all about.