How to Talk to Your Doctor About Incontinence
For many people, raising incontinence with a GP feels genuinely daunting, yet it's one of the most valuable conversations you can have, potentially uncovering treatable underlying causes and connecting you with helpful resources. Here's how to approach it.
Why This Conversation Matters
While a good product like Bestiee effectively manages day-to-day incontinence, a conversation with your GP can identify underlying causes that may be treatable, connect you with specialist support (like a continence nurse or pelvic floor physiotherapist), and, for NDIS participants, provide documentation supporting funding requests.
Overcoming the Awkwardness
It's worth remembering that GPs regularly discuss incontinence with patients. It's a common, well-understood part of general practice, not an unusual or uncomfortable topic from their professional perspective, even if it feels significant to you personally.
How to Start the Conversation
You don't need an elaborate lead-in. A direct, simple statement like "I've been experiencing some bladder leakage and wanted to discuss it" or "I've noticed some bowel control issues recently" gives your GP exactly what they need to start a helpful, focused conversation.
What Your GP Might Ask
Expect questions about when symptoms started, how frequently they occur, any specific triggers you've noticed (coughing, exercise, urgency), how much this affects your daily life, and any other relevant health history or recent changes (like childbirth, surgery, or new medications).
What to Prepare Before Your Appointment
A Brief Symptom History
Noting roughly when symptoms started, their frequency, and any patterns you've noticed helps your GP quickly understand your situation.
Your Current Management Approach
Mentioning what you're currently using (such as Bestiee Pull-Up Pants) and whether it's working well for you gives useful context.
Specific Questions or Concerns
If you have specific worries (is this normal? will it get worse? are there treatment options?), writing these down beforehand ensures you don't forget to raise them during a potentially nerve-wracking appointment.
What Might Happen Next
Depending on your specific situation, your GP might suggest pelvic floor exercises, refer you to a continence nurse or specialist, investigate potential underlying causes (like a urinary tract infection or other condition), or simply confirm that your current management approach is reasonable and check in again at a future appointment.
For NDIS Participants
If you're an NDIS participant, mentioning your NDIS status and asking whether your GP can provide documentation supporting an incontinence-related funding request can be a valuable part of this conversation.
If You Feel Uncomfortable With Your Current GP
If you don't feel comfortable discussing this with your regular GP for any reason, seeking a second opinion or a different practitioner, including a GP with a specific interest or additional training in continence health, is a completely reasonable option.
Following Up After Your Appointment
If your GP suggests a management strategy or referral, following through, whether that's trying pelvic floor exercises, seeing a specialist, or adjusting your product choice based on their input, helps ensure you get the full benefit of having raised the topic in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to feel embarrassed discussing this with my GP?
Yes, this is a common feeling, but GPs discuss incontinence regularly and won't find your concern unusual from their professional perspective.
What if my GP doesn't take my concerns seriously?
If you feel your concerns aren't being adequately addressed, seeking a second opinion from a different GP is a reasonable step.
Can my GP help with NDIS documentation?
Yes. Many GPs can provide documentation or letters supporting incontinence-related NDIS funding requests when appropriate.
Do I need to see a specialist, or can my GP manage this alone?
This depends on your specific situation; your GP may manage things directly or refer you to a specialist (like a continence nurse or urologist) if appropriate.
Key Takeaways
Talking to your GP about incontinence can uncover treatable causes and connect you with valuable support and resources.
GPs regularly discuss this topic and won't find it unusual, even if it feels significant to you.
Preparing a brief symptom history and specific questions beforehand supports a more productive conversation.
Following up on any suggested next steps helps ensure you get full value from raising the topic.
Taking the step to talk to your doctor about incontinence is a genuinely worthwhile investment in your own health and quality of life.