When to seek help

A few isolated incidents of urinary incontinence don't necessarily require medical attention. And most people, as they age, have to get up to urinate at night. But if the problem affects your quality of life, consider having your symptoms evaluated.

Make an appointment with your primary care provider if:

• You're embarrassed by urine leakage, and you avoid important activities because of it
• You often feel urgency to urinate and rush to a bathroom, but sometimes don't make it in time
• You often feel the need to urinate, but you're unable to pass urine
• You notice that your urine stream is getting progressively weaker, or you feel as if you can't empty your bladder well

Most of the time, symptoms can be improved.