Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for "urinary incontinence." This is when you leak urine or lose bladder control. Incontinence is a very common problem, but it is not a normal part of aging.
You might leak urine when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or do anything that "stresses" the belly. Or you might feel a strong need to urinate all of a sudden. Some people have both of these symptoms. If you are male, you might not be able to fully empty your bladder when you urinate because of a large prostate.
The doctor thinks you can safely treat your urinary incontinence at home.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●As your regular doctor if any of your medicines could be causing your symptoms.
•If you take "diuretic" medicines, plan ahead. These increase the need to urinate. Try to take them when you know you will be near a bathroom for a few hours. If you keep having leakage problems because of diuretics, ask your doctor if you can take a lower dose or switch to a different medicine.
●Drink less fluids, especially a few hours before bed.
●Cut down on any foods or drinks that make your symptoms worse. Alcohol, caffeine, or spicy or acidic foods might irritate your bladder.
●Try to lose weight, if you have excess body weight. Your doctor or nurse can help you do this in a healthy way.
●If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar as close to your goal level as possible.
●Wear a pad to soak up any urine and keep it from irritating your skin.
●Ask your doctor about "bladder training" and "pelvic floor muscle exercises." These can help reduce urine leaks.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•You have very bad pain in your back, shoulder, or belly.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your urine is cloudy, smells bad, or is bloody.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Urinary incontinence in females (The Basics)
Patient education: Treatments for urgency incontinence in females (The Basics)
Patient education: Deciding about surgery for stress urinary incontinence in females (The Basics)
Patient education: Urinary incontinence in males (The Basics)
Patient education: Bladder training (The Basics)
Patient education: Pelvic floor muscle exercises (The Basics)
Patient education: Urinary incontinence in women (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Urinary incontinence treatments for women (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Beyond the Basics)
