Preparing for Your GP Appointment: How to Talk About Bladder Weakness or Incontinence

If you’re living with bladder weakness or incontinence, speaking to your GP is an important step towards understanding your symptoms and getting the right treatment and support. The following guide can help you feel prepared for your appointment and make the most of your time with your healthcare professional.

Keeping a record of your bladder habits before your appointment can help your GP or gynaecologist understand your symptoms more easily. These questions are relevant for both men and women and can help you understand your condition better:

• What’s the cause of my incontinence symptoms?

• What kind of tests do I need?

• Is my bladder weakness temporary?

• What bladder incontinence treatment is available?

• Are there any side effects to the treatment?

• What lifestyle changes could help improve my bladder weakness?

• How do I get started with pelvic floor exercises?

• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage the combination of these conditions?

• What kind of protective products work best for urinary leakage?

• Is there a support group for people with my condition?

Bladder weakness can mean different things to different people. Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine and/or faeces. With bladder weakness, you may find you’re going more frequently, feel an urgency to go more often than usual, or experience light leakage.

It’s important to understand what’s normal for you and to seek help from a healthcare professional as soon as you notice any changes. There may be simple solutions to improve or even cure your symptoms.

For further information and support, visit trusted resources such as Bladder & Bowel UK, Bladder Health UK, and the NHS Bladder and Bowel Service.

The NHS has local Bladder and Bowel (Continence) Services, which you may be able to self-refer to, or your GP can refer you. Within these services, you may see a physiotherapist, nurse, or occupational therapist.

Charities such as Bladder Health UK, Bladder & Bowel UK, and The Urology Foundation also provide reliable information and helplines for advice and support.

If you’d like to hear how others have learned to manage their bladder weakness, explore our real-life stories from women or real-life stories from men. Their experiences might help you feel reassured and inspired to take the next step in seeking support.

Completing a three-day bladder diary before your appointment can help speed up your diagnosis. This should record what and when you drink, when you pass urine, and whether any leakage occurs.

At your appointment, it may be appropriate to have a physical examination, depending on your symptoms. You can always request a chaperone. You may also be referred to different healthcare professionals such as a nurse, physiotherapist, gynaecologist, or urologist.

We’ve created a free bladder diary you can easily download, print, and fill in to take along to your appointment.

DOWNLOAD BLADDER DIARY

While waiting for your appointment, it’s important to use the right type of protective product. Choose incontinence products designed to absorb urine, such as TENA pads or pants for women and men, rather than sanitary products designed for periods.

Avoid using talcum powder or creams that could block the absorbency of the pad you’re wearing. For gentle intimate skin care, ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist for advice on suitable products to help keep your skin healthy and protected.

Not all bladder conditions require medication or surgery. Your GP will help diagnose your condition and recommend an individualised treatment plan. Many people benefit from pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, or lifestyle adjustments before medical interventions are considered.

Charities such as Bladder & Bowel UK (BBUK) and Bladder Health UK (BHUK) offer “Can’t Wait” cards with hints and tips for managing bladder conditions.

The RADAR key scheme allows access to disabled toilets across the UK, which often include bins for discreet disposal of used pads. Remember, not all disabilities are visible, and signage is often included on these facilities.

TENA’s product finder tool can help you find the right incontinence protection for your needs.

You can also explore helpful apps such as:

• CONfidence App – provides practical health advice, self-care tips, and links to support for people with bladder and bowel leakage

• Bladder & Bowel UK Home Page

• Bladder Health UK

• The Urology Foundation

• RADAR Key Company – Official Site

Bladder weakness and incontinence are common and treatable. Speaking to your GP is the first step towards finding the right solutions, treatments, and products to help you stay confident and in control.