Talking to Your Gynaecologist About Urinary Incontinence

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Urinary incontinence can be an embarrassing topic, but if there is one person you should feel comfortable talking to about incontinence, it is your gynaecologist. Many women experience some degree of incontinence so it is a perfectly normal topic of conversation at the gynaecology clinic.

Explaining Your Symptoms
Being able to explain what is going on with your body is important when you are talking to your doctor. You should use whichever words feel most comfortable for you while you‘re at the gynaecology clinic, whether that means sticking to more medical terms such as urination, or using more familiar ones such as pee. The doctor will probably ask some questions about your symptoms and medical history, which can help you to provide the right details.
You may feel more comfortable if you know what kind of questions might come up, so that you won’t be surprised at the gynaecology clinic. You might be asked whether you are going to the toilet more often than usual, whether you find it difficult to resist the urge to urinate, or whether you have experienced any leaks, particularly when laughing, coughing, or exerting yourself. You may also be asked about your medical history, particularly any pregnancies you have had, any whether there is a family history of similar problems.

Understanding the Treatment Options
Once your doctor understands the problem, you will be able to discuss the options available to tackle your incontinence. The doctor may recommend steps you can take to prevent further problems, such as losing any excess weight and reducing your intake of caffeine and alcohol. You might also be able to learn some techniques to improve your bladder control or to use medication or surgery to treat your incontinence. It is important for you to understand your treatment, so you should make sure that you ask any questions you might have and get your doctor to repeat anything that you find unclear.