A urologist specializes in diseases of the urinary tract, and will perform the necessary tests to clearly understand the specific cause of one's incontinence.

• Urinalysis. A sample of urine is examined for the presence of infection, blood, or other abnormalities.

• Physical Examination. A thorough examination by a physician will give a great deal of information regarding possible causes of incontinence, such as weak pelvic muscles or an enlarged prostate. While the patient's bladder is full, the doctor can also directly examine for and assess leakage during coughing or straining.

• Post-void residual measurement. After the patient urinates, the amount of urine left over in the bladder is measured. This can be done by placing a small catheter into the bladder through the urethra and measuring the urine that comes out, or by examining the bladder with ultrasound.

• Ultrasound. Ultrasound can be used as a more comfortable way to measure the post-void residual amount of urine. Ultrasound also demonstrates the size and shape of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to evaluate whether urine has backed up within the kidneys (hydronephrosis).

• Urodynamic testing. This in-depth examination evaluates bladder and urinary sphincter function as the bladder is filled and emptied. A small tube (known as a catheter) is placed through the urethra into the bladder to measure the pressure inside the bladder. At the same time, a catheter is place inside the rectum to measure the pressure in the abdomen. This test also assesses whether a patient has normal bladder sensation and capacity. The whole evaluation takes about 30-45 minutes.

• Pad tests. The patient begins an oral medication (Phenazopyridine) which temporarily turns the urine orange. Then, a sanitary pad is placed inside inside the underwear, and is changed every six hours for one 24-hour period. The amount of orange staining on the pads gives the urologist a rough estimate of the severity of the incontinence. The amount of urine leaked can also be estimated by weighing the pads.

• Voiding diary. The patient keeps a close record of when the urge to void occurs and when voiding and leakage occur. The amount of leakage is also recorded. This allows the physician to better understand the patient's incontinence.

• Cystoscopy. The urologist places a cystoscope into the bladder through the urethra. The cystoscope is a long, narrow tube with a lens at the tip, which allows the urologist to thoroughly inspect the inside of the bladder for any abnormalities.