Talk to a Specialist

A life free from incontinence problems could be one conversation away

Whether you’ve already made an appointment or are just beginning to think about it, these informational resources can help get you on the right path.

 
Types of specialists
Ready to talk?
Questions for your doctor
 

Types of specialists: Who should I talk to?

If you’re ready to take control and restore your continence, then it’s time to meet with a specialist. Their focus can allow them to stay current on the latest medical advances. Specialists may also have the opportunity to perform corrective surgical procedures more frequently—giving you a greater sense of confidence in the care you will receive.

Physicians with the specialized expertise to treat urinary incontinence, include:

  • Urologists — specialists whose focus includes diseases and disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract, including female urinary incontinence.
  • Gynecologists — physicians with special expertise in the female reproductive system.
  • Urogynecologists — doctors who specialize in both female reproductive and urinary tract health.

Are you ready to talk?

Breaking the silence about stress urinary incontinence can be difficult, but keep in mind that specialists discuss incontinence problems with their patients on a regular basis. They chose their field of expertise, because they want to help women just like you.

To help you get the conversation started, try letting these simple tools take the lead. Click here to print out the urinary incontinence quiz. Your answers will help you start this very important discussion. Ready to talk next steps? Click here to read questions you should ask your doctor before consenting to a treatment plan.

Important questions for your doctor

Before you consent to a treatment plan, make sure you’ve asked these very important questions about:

  • Choosing a treatment
  • About surgical procedures
  • Surgical procedure safety and efficacy
  • Delaying treatment
  • I’m ready

Choosing a treatment

  • What treatment for urinary incontinence do you recommend for me—and why?
  • How effective is this treatment—and how long does it take to see results?
  • What are the risks and side effects associated with this treatment?

About surgical procedures

  • How will this procedure correct my condition?
  • Is this an invasive or minimally invasive procedure? How many incisions will you make and where will you make them?
  • Does this procedure require a hospital stay or is it performed on an outpatient basis?
  • What kind of anesthesia is needed for this procedure—local, regional, or general?
  • What is my expected recovery time? How long until I can resume everyday activities?

Surgical procedure safety and efficacy

  • How long can I expect this procedure to be effective?
  • Do you perform this procedure frequently?
  • What product will you be using during this procedure? Has it been well studied?
  • If I plan to have children in the future, is this procedure right for me?

Delaying treatment

  • If I choose to postpone treatment, what options do I have for managing my condition?
  • Are there any risks associated with not proceeding with a treatment at this time?

I’m ready

  • Is this treatment/procedure covered by my insurance plan?
  • What’s my next step?


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Do I have incontinence problems?

Just answer a few simple questions and see if it’s time to meet with a specialist. If the answer is yes, you may want to print out the quiz and share your results with the doctor. Simply click here to take the urinary incontinence quiz.

Get the facts

Informing yourself is the best way to ensure you receive the best care for you. After you’ve reviewed these pages, click here to check out some additional informative resources.

Dear Diary

Keeping a symptom diary—when, how often, and under what circumstances loss of bladder control occurs—can go a long way toward helping your doctor understand your condition. Click here to print out a diary and start tracking your symptoms.

Is this right for me?

Be sure you understand all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations—the risks and benefits, expected results, and your doctor’s expertise with the advanced treatment options available today. To find a specialist in your area who treats urinary incontinence, click here.

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