Imagine this — you’re in a meeting, out with friends, or even at home watching your favorite show, when that all-too-familiar urge strikes. You rush to the bathroom, hoping to make it in time. You don’t, though. And that unpredictability keeps interrupting your life.
Sound familiar?
If so, you’re NOT alone.
Urinary incontinence affects roughly 25 million Americans. As pervasive as this condition is, however, it’s still taboo to talk about, and many of us hesitate to bring it up with our doctors. That’s not doing us any favors. In fact, it may put you in a position where you start to feel like incontinence is controlling your life.
The good news is that knowing when to reach out for medical advice can help you get past this hurdle, letting you take an important first step toward relief, confidence, and freedom. To that end, here’s a closer look at:
- 9 Signs You Need to See a Doctor for Incontinence
- When to See a Doctor for Worsening Incontinence: 3 Signs
- How to Talk to Your Doctor About Incontinence: 5 Tips
This guide to meeting with healthcare professionals about incontinence is designed to share the essentials in under ~3 minutes. If you need more info or expert help getting incontinence products through Medicaid in WA, OR, or ID, simply contact MyMedSupplies.
MyMedSupplies is one of the most trusted sources for Medicaid-covered incontinence supplies, with expert coordinators and established processes that can facilitate approvals for the ultimate peace of mind.
9 Signs You Need to See a Doctor for Incontinence
If you’re not sure when to visit with your healthcare provider about incontinence, here are some signs to keep an eye out for.
If you’re experiencing one or more of these issues, don’t put off seeing your doctor to talk about incontinence. These issues don’t usually to resolve themselves on their own. So, the sooner you have a game plan to address them, the better the outcomes can be.
1. Frequent Urgency or Leaks
Are you experiencing sudden urges to urinate? What about frequent leaks?
If “yes” is your answer, it’s time to consult a doctor, especially since these symptoms are disrupting your daily activities. They could indicate an overactive bladder or another treatable condition.
2. Pain or Burning Sensation
Pain or burning during urination is often a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or another medical issue related to incontinence. Either way, seeing a doctor can be critical to getting the appropriate treatment(s).
3. Blood in Urine
Blood in the urine (hematuria) is a red flag that you should never ignore. This could be a sign of infection, kidney stones, or more serious conditions with or without incontinence, so it’s crucial to seek medical attention ASAP if you ever spot blood in your urine.
4. Sudden Onset of Incontinence
Sometimes, incontinence starts suddenly, without any warning or prior conditions diagnosed. When this happens, it could be due to factors like:
- Infection
- Neurological issues
- Medication side effects
Visiting your healthcare provider whenever sudden onset incontinence arises can help you figure out what the underlying issue maybe, so you can start treating it appropriately and promptly.
5. Intensifying Symptoms Over Time
Incontinence may start at a mild level, progressing over time with more moderate or severe symptoms. When incontinence gradually worsens:
- Pelvic floor dysfunction may be present.
- Age-related changes could be a factor.
- An underlying medical issue may be advancing.
Again, seeing your doctor to evaluate symptom progression and what’s causing it can be vital to better managing your incontinence.
6. Associated Bowel Incontinence
Experiencing bowel incontinence alongside urinary incontinence can be a sign of a more complex medical issue. A healthcare provider can talk about symptoms, conduct exams, and run tests to identify the causes and ideal treatments for these symptoms.
7. Interference with Your Daily Life
If incontinence is getting in the way of your work, social life, and/or sleep, it’s worth discussing with a doctor. The same is true if you’re feeling less confident and more anxious about incontinence.
There are effective treatments and lifestyle changes you can implement to regain control, better manage your incontinence, and improve your quality of life. And the first step can be seeing your doctor for a clearer idea of what’s happening.
8. Difficulty Emptying Your Bladder
If you often feel like you can’t fully empty your bladder — or if you experience weak or interrupted urine flow — this could indicate a blockage or bladder dysfunction. Your doctor can assess and treat these symptoms before they get worse.
9. History of Falling or Balance Issues
Incontinence combined with balance or mobility issues can be a sign of neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Seeing a doctor can help address both the underlying condition and the incontinence symptoms. It can also help you keep your overall health in optimal shape.
When to See a Doctor for Worsening Incontinence: 3 Signs
Visiting your healthcare provider when you think you’re experiencing incontinence is critical. So is seeing your doctor whenever your condition seems to be getting worse. A few signs of that can include:
- More frequent or severe incontinence: A noticeable increase in urgency, frequency, or leakage may signal more complications or the progress of an underlying health issue.
- More symptoms with incontinence: Blood in your urine, new pain during urination, or unexplained weight loss should all be evaluated by your doctor.
- More disruptions to your daily life: If incontinence is degrading your quality of life or interfering with any essential activities, it’s time to seek professional advice.
Remember, it’s also important to consult with your healthcare provider at least once a year for an updated prescription if you’re getting free incontinence products with Medicaid.
How to Talk to Your Doctor About Incontinence: 5 Tips
Whenever you visit your healthcare provider to discuss incontinence, here are some steps you can make sure you have a productive talk — and that you get what you need out of this discussion.
- Write down your symptoms and questions ahead of time: What exactly have you been experiencing? What specific concerns does this raise with you? List out all of your questions before you visit your doctor, so you’re prepared and you don’t leave anything out.
- Be honest about your symptoms: Describe your symptoms in as much detail as you can. Be sure to explain how often you experience different symptoms, what seems to trigger them, and anything else you’ve noticed about your condition.
- Mention any lifestyle changes: Don’t forget to mention any recent changes in your diet, medication, and/or physical activity. These lifestyle changes can be factors, and your doctor will be able to make better recommendations if they have a more complete picture of what could be impacting your health.
- Ask about your treatment options: Pelvic floor therapy, medications, and/or surgical options may be on the table. Make sure you understand what each option involves, how it could address your condition, and whether there may be any complications or risks to consider.
- Keep the conversation going: If you’re living with incontinence, continuing to talk about incontinence and how your condition may evolve will be crucial. So, it’s important to continue this discussion, especially as your symptoms and needs change. If you do, your doctor can help you carefully monitor your health and address any shifts without delay. That can help you stay on top of incontinence, so it never catches you off guard.
Remember, when it comes to your health, silence is NOT golden. Talking to your doctor about incontinence can a pivotal step in getting the help, treatments, and products you need.
A Better Way to Get Incontinence Products with Medicaid in WA, OR & ID
You may qualify for FREE incontinence products and supplies through Medicaid in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. If you do, the right Medicaid-approved supplier can make it easy to get exactly what you need with minimal hassle and your incontinence supplies shipped discretely and directly to your front door.
That’s where MyMedSuppiles comes in.
We have 40+ years’ experience in the medical supply and Medicaid space, and we’re accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC) to provide Durable Medical Equipment, Respiratory Services, and Medical Supplies. We also put our customers’ needs first, doing everything possible to provide exceptional service and reliable access to the best incontinence supplies.
Those are just a few reasons why MyMedSupplies is one of the most trusted and well-reviewed medical supply stores in the Pacific Northwest.
To find out more — or get expert help getting free incontinence supplies through Medicaid — simply talk to a professional coordinator at MyMedSupplies. We are ready to help you now.