Who Can Help Me With a Urinary Problem?

Urinary incontinence and other types of urinary problems can be embarrassing to talk about for some people. However, these problems are very common and are no reason to be ashamed. In fact, 200 million people worldwide suffer from urinary incontinence, according to the National Association for Continence.

Health Insurance

• Before deciding what type of doctor to see about your urinary problem, it is important to understand what type of health insurance you have. Some types, like HMOs, require you to visit your primary care physician or family doctor before visiting any type of specialist.

Identification

• Unless your insurance requires otherwise, you have choice between whether to visit a general practitioner or some type of specialist about your urinary problem.

Types of Specialists

• For women, some urinary problems are caused by childbirth and other women's health issues, making your gynecologist a good starting point for help with your condition. Other possible specialists to see for urinary problems are urologists, who specialize in problems of the urinary tract, and urogynecologists, who treat both urinary and reproductive problems in women.

Features

• No matter which physician you choose to see, it is important to be able to fully discuss your symptoms. Bring along information about when your problems started, times when it is most severe, how many times each day you urinate and a list of what medications you regularly take and at what dosages.

Benefits

• Your family doctor or gynecologist is most likely to be able to see you sooner than a specialist, but specialists may have more experience treating your particular condition.

Considerations

• No matter what type of doctor you choose to see, the most important thing is that you seek help for your urinary condition. Often, conditions like incontinence are treatable, but the first step is seeking help.