Preparing for an appointment

You may be asked to keep a bladder diary for a few days to record information, such as how often you urinate and how much and what kinds of fluid you consume.

For more testing, you may be referred to a specialist in urinary disorders (urologist) or urinary disorders in women (urogynecologist).

What you can do

To get the most from your visit to your health care provider, prepare in advance:

• Write down any symptoms you're experiencing. Include all of your symptoms, even if you don't think they're related.
• Make a list of any medications, vitamins or other supplements you take. Many over-the-counter supplements can irritate the urinary tract. Also note the doses and how often you take the medication or supplements.
• Have a family member or close friend go with you. You may be given a lot of information at your visit, and it can be difficult to remember everything.
• Take a notepad or an electronic device with you. Use it to note important information during your visit.
• Prepare a list of questions to ask. List your most important questions first, in case time runs out.

For interstitial cystitis, some basic questions to ask include:

• Will my symptoms eventually go away?
• What kind of tests might I need?
• Will changing my diet help with my symptoms?
• Could the medicines I take be aggravating my condition?
• Are there any medications that would help ease my symptoms?
• Will I need surgery?

Make sure that you understand what your provider tells you. Don't hesitate to ask your provider to repeat information or to ask follow-up questions for clarification.

What to expect from your provider

Be prepared to answer questions from your provider, such as:

• How often do you feel the urge to urinate with little or no warning?
• Do you feel the urge to urinate immediately after you've urinated?
• Do you ever urinate less than two hours after you finished urinating?
• Do you wake up at night to urinate?
• Do you have pain or burning in your bladder?
• Do you feel pain in your abdomen or pelvis?
• Are you currently sexually active?
• How much do your symptoms bother you?