Dealing with incontinence is something millions of people face, but let’s be real—it’s not always the easiest topic to bring up.

The good news? Talking to your doctor about it is a big step toward feeling better and improving your daily life.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key questions to ask for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, share tips on finding support, and explain why getting advice from a healthcare professional really matters.

Preparing for your doctor's visit

When preparing for your doctor's appointment, jot down any symptoms you've been experiencing, their frequency, and what you think or know are the triggers.

This will bring focus to the incontinence discussion and make sure the diagnosis and treatment are truly tailored to your needs.

Important questions to ask your doctor

To help get ready for your doctor's appointment, you could get a list of questions for them ready in advance. These might include:

What could be causing my symptoms?

Incontinence can have a variety of causes, from lifestyle habits to underlying health conditions. Getting a clear picture of what’s behind your symptoms is key to finding the right treatment.

What tests might I need?

Your doctor might suggest tests like urine or blood tests and possibly more detailed ones like urodynamic testing. It’s good to know what to expect.

What are my treatment options?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Treatments range from simple lifestyle tweaks and physical therapy to medications or even surgery. Chat with your doctor about what might work best for you.

How can I manage my symptoms right now?

Until you find a long-term fix, ask for tips to manage things day-to-day. This could include dietary changes, scheduled bathroom breaks, using incontinence products, or trying bladder training and pelvic exercises.

What lifestyle changes could help?

Small adjustments, like tweaking your diet, managing fluid intake, or adding more physical activity, can make a big difference. Your doctor can offer advice tailored to your situation.

Should I see a specialist?

Sometimes it’s worth getting input from a urologist or gynaecologist who focuses on incontinence. Don’t hesitate to ask if a referral would be helpful!

Next steps after talking to your doctor about incontinence

Follow through with recommended tests

If your doctor suggests tests, be sure to get them done. They’re super important for figuring out exactly what’s causing your incontinence.

Make lifestyle changes

Start putting those recommended lifestyle tweaks into action. Small adjustments can make a big difference in managing your symptoms.

Lean on your support system

Talk to friends and family about what you’re going through. Sharing can ease stress and remind you that you’re not in this alone.

Keep a symptom diary

Track your symptoms, what you eat and drink, and anything else that might affect your condition. This can be a game-changer for your doctor when it comes to fine-tuning your treatment.

Stick to regular check-ins

Incontinence management is often a journey, not a quick fix. Keep those follow-up appointments to stay on top of your progress and make any needed adjustments.

Where to find additional incontinence support

Living with incontinence, especially when it’s a new diagnosis, can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone—there are plenty of resources out there to help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

Here are some key ways to find support:

Educational resources

Check out organisations like the Association Française d'Urologie (AFU) and Association d'Aide aux Personnes Incontinentes (A.A.P.I.). They offer helpful guides, articles, and videos packed with tips and information to better understand and manage incontinence.

Online communities

Join online forums where you can connect with people who are going through the same thing. These spaces are perfect for swapping advice, sharing stories, and finding emotional support.

Expert help

Look for webinars, Q&A sessions, and live chats hosted by health organisations. They give you access to professionals who can answer your questions about treatments, products, and symptom management.

Workshops & seminars

Keep an eye out for events run by health groups or patient advocacy organisations. Topics often include nutrition, physical therapy, and stress management techniques that can help reduce symptoms.

Support groups

Both in-person and virtual support groups provide a safe place to share experiences and practical tips. Hospitals, community centres, and health organisations are great places to start looking.

Health care social workers

These professionals can guide you through the healthcare system, connect you with local services, and even help you find financial assistance for treatments if needed.

You’ve got this—help and support are just a click or conversation away!

We here at Invizi also want to support you while you learn to navigate incontinence and beyond. We want to minimise the impact of incontinence and get you back to enjoying your life!

Whether it's incontinence pads, guards, pants, or slips, our range of continence aids will help you feel comfortable and confident.