Bladder self-assessment

A healthy bladder is important to all of us, yet many people suffer with bladder problems in silence even though a lot can be done to improve things.

Take this short assessment to find out if you should seek further advice.

QUESTIONS

1. Are you?

a) Female

b) Male

2. Is it difficult for you to hold urine when you get the urge to go?

a) Yes, and it bothers me a great deal (3 points)

b) Yes, and it bothers me moderately (2 points)

c) Yes, and it bothers me a little bit (1 point)

d) No, not at all (0 point)

3. Do you have any problems needing to go to the loo often during the day?

a) Yes, and it bothers me a great deal (3 points)

b) Yes, and it bothers me moderately (2 points)

c) Yes, and it bothers me a little bit (1 point)

d) No, not at all (0 point)

4. Do you need to get up during the night to go to the loo?

a) Yes, and it bothers me a great deal (3 points)

b) Yes, and it bothers me moderately (2 points)

c) Yes, and it bothers me a little bit (1 point)

d) No, not at all (0 point)

5. Do you have blood in your urine?

a) Yes (10 points)

b) No (0 points)

ANSWERS

0-2 points

Based on your responses today you don't have any symptoms. Your answers suggest you don't have any urinary problems.

If your symptoms do change or you have any concerns about your health, please call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or arrange to see your GP.

You can help to keep your bladder healthy by:

• drinking the right amount and the right types of fluid like  water, fruit juice, fruit or herbal tea and cordials (1.5 to 2 litres of fluid per day)
• avoid getting constipated by eating a healthy diet
• practise pelvic floor muscle exercises every day (see useful links for a guide)
• maintain a healthy weight.

2-5 points

Based on your responses today you have some urinary problems but they are mild and are not bothering you.

You can prevent serious problems developing in your bladder by:

• drinking the right amount and the right types of fluid like water, fruit juice, fruit or herbal tea and cordials (1.5 to 2 litres of fluid per day)
• avoid getting constipated by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
• practise pelvic floor muscle exercises every day (see useful links for a guide)
• maintain a healthy weight.

If your symptoms do change or get worse, please call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or arrange to see your GP.

5-10 points

Based on your responses today you do have some urinary problems that are bothering you. The good news is that a lot can be done to manage, improve and sometimes cure bladder conditions.

You should seek advice from your GP who may be able to help to improve your symptoms and situation.

The doctor or nurse may ask:

• How often do you go to the loo?
• How often do you leak or have an accident?
• When do you leak or have accidents?
• What medicines do you take?
• What do you normally eat and drink?
• Is it painful or uncomfortable when you go to the loo?
• How often do you get up at night?

10-50 points

Based on your responses today you do have some urinary problems that are bothering you a lot. The good news is that plenty can be done to manage, improve and sometimes cure bladder conditions.

You should seek advice from your GP immediately to help improve your symptoms and situation.

The doctor or nurse may ask: 

• How often do you go to the loo?
• How often do you leak or have an accident?
• When do you leak or have accidents?
• What medicines do you take?
• What do you normally eat and drink?
• Is it painful or uncomfortable when you go to the loo?
• How often do you get up at night?

LINKS

Below are links to further information that may be of interest. Please note these links will take you away from this page.

Getting help and support http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/incontinence/Pages/Gettinghelp.aspx

Breaking the taboo http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/incontinence/Pages/Breakingthetaboo.aspx

Living with incontinence http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/incontinence/Pages/Livingwithincontinence.aspx

Products that can help http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/incontinence/Pages/Incontinenceproducts.aspx

Real-life story of living with incontinence http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/incontinence/Pages/Urgeincontinencerealstory.aspx

The Bladder and Bowel Foundation http://www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/

NHS Choices 2011