Medical History & Physical Examination

An accurate diagnosis is very important, because treatment based on an incorrect diagnosis may not help your incontinence and could even make it worse. 

To diagnose the cause of your urinary incontinence, Dr. Albo, Nager or Lukacz will ask about your medical history and conduct a physical examination, including a pelvic exam. Your may also be asked to cough while you are standing to check for stress incontinence. In addition, a urinalysis and urine culture may be done to see if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Symptom Check. You will also be asked to explain your symptoms and habits; for example, how often you need to urinate, when you leak urine, how much fluid and what kinds of fluids you drink, and whether you have any other symptoms along with incontinence. Your answers will provide clues about the cause of your incontinence.

Voiding History. Your initial exam will be most productive if you can bring a 3- to 4-day diary of what and how much you drink, and how often and how much you urinate and leak. The pattern of your urine leakage may point to the type of incontinence.

• View and print a voiding log
• Read more about what to expect during your initial visit

Urodynamic Testing

Urodynamic tests for urinary incontinence are measurements taken to evaluate your bladder's function and efficiency. The actual tests done vary from person to person, but may include:

• Cystometry (cystometrography, uroflowmetry) - a series of tests to measure bladder pressure at different levels of fullness. Cystometry is helpful in diagnosing urge incontinence. (Read more about Cystometry)
• Cystoscopy - small telescopes that look inside the bladder (Read more about Cystoscopy)
• Videourodynamics - studies that X-ray the bladder and measure its pressure during filling and emptying

By thoroughly understanding the type of incontinence present in each patient, our physicians can recommend the appropriate therapy for you.

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 Call our office at (858) 657-8737

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