Are there tests for incontinence?

If you think you have urinary incontinence, schedule an appointment with your doctor. He or she will talk to you about your medical history and urinary habits, and may perform a physical examination as well as a urine test. Other tests will help find the cause of your incontinence and the best treatment for you. Some of these tests may include:

•Pad test: You'll wear a pad for up to 2 hours, then place it in a sealed plastic bag. A health-care provider will weigh the bag to see how much urine the pad is holding.
•Cystoscopy: Your physician will look for abnormalities in your bladder and lower urinary tract by inserting a small telescopic tube into your bladder.
•Postvoid residual measurement: A small, soft tube or an ultrasound is used to measure the amount of urine left in your bladder after you've gone to the bathroom.
•Stress test: Your doctor will ask you to cough, lift, or exercise to see if any of these activities cause you to lose urine.
•Urinalysis: A clinician will examine your urine for any signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities.
•Uroflowmetry:This measures urine speed and volume. Special equipment is used to show any changes in the flow rate.
•Urodynamics testing: Your doctor will take a closer look at the filling and emptying process by placing pressure-measuring instruments in the bladder.