Bladder Conditions & Incontinence Leaks, pain and that “gotta go” feeling? If you have a problem with your bladder or incontinence, first and foremost know that it can be treated. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor! Don’t let embarrassment stop you from finding treatment and a possible solution that could help you get back to an active life. Bladder leaks Your doctor will want to know as much as possible about your leaks, such as when it occurs, how much comes out, and what you’re doing when leaks happen. Learn more about incontinence and how we can help. Urinary Incontinence Fecal Incontinence Bladder pain Several different bladder problems can cause pain including interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infection, including: Overactive Bladder Urinary Tract Infections Interstitial Cystitis (Painful bladder) Finding a diagnosis In diagnosing bladder leaks and pain, your physician may perform one or more of the following: Survey. Your doctor may ask a few questions, including, how many times do you need to pee each day? Do you have to get up to go at night? Do you “leak” urine while lifting, sneezing, coughing, or having sex? Pelvic Exam. This is a type of stress test. You’ll do it with a full bladder. While you’re sitting up, your doctor will ask you to cough. When you’re lying down, she’ll gently check out your pelvic organs. She’ll test your muscle strength in that area, too. Cystogram. An X-ray of your bladder in action. Your doctor will use a catheter to inject dye into your urethra (the short tube that carries urine out of your body) and bladder. When you pee, she can see what happens, as well as if there are any problems. Cystoscopy. Your doctor will insert a slender tube with a tiny lens into your urethra to check it out, as well as the lining of your bladder. Pelvic Ultrasound. A picture that shows anything unusual about your urinary tract or genitals. Urodynamic Testing. Your bladder is filled with water via a catheter. At the same time, a monitor measures the pressure that builds against your bladder walls. It also tests the strength of the muscle that controls the urine flow from your bladder. This helps to gauge what type of urinary incontinence you have.