There are a number of signs of incontinence, depending on the type. You may be experiencing involuntary loss of urine during physical activity; a compelling need to urinate with inability to stop leakage long enough to reach a toilet; or continued leakage because the bladder is full beyond capacity.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you leak urine unexpectedly?

2. Is the urine leakage:

Mild (a few drops)
Moderate (wet underwear)
Severe (wet outerwear)

3. Does the urine loss occur during coughing, sneezing, laughing, bending or lifting?

4. Does the urine loss occur when you change from a sitting or lying position to a standing position?

5. Do you leak urine continuously?

6. Is urine loss a problem to you?

7. Has this urine loss caused you to change your lifestyle?

8. If you have changed your lifestyle, how?

I limit the fluids I drink
I stay at home
I limit my choice of clothing to dark colors

If you answered Yes to any of these questions, or if your answers are of concern to you, you are not alone. Over 52 million people in America and Europe experience urinary incontinence.

These questions were designed to show the different symptoms that indicate the various types of incontinence. Talk with a doctor to discuss the responses from these questions.