Do I Have Urinary Incontinence? Simple Ways to Screen Yourself and What to Do Next

Empower yourself and take control of your urinary incontinence today! If you’ve ever laughed, sneezed, or worked out and experienced a sudden leak—this post is for you.

Urinary incontinence may feel like an uncomfortable topic, but it's one that millions of women silently deal with every day. In fact, more than 60% of women in the U.S. experience urinary incontinence, and many of them don’t seek help—even though there are effective options available that can significantly improve quality of life.

“Urinary incontinence can adversely affect health, quality of life, and function.”
— Women’s Preventive Services Initiative

If you’ve noticed bladder leakage symptoms or feel like you’re always scouting for the nearest bathroom, it might be time to listen to what your body is telling you.

In this post, we’ll cover:

  • The most common signs of urinary incontinence
  • Risk factors you should know
  • How to self-screen from home
  • When to talk to a healthcare provider
  • And finally, what to do next to take control and feel confident again

Common Signs You May Have Urinary Incontinence

Some bladder symptoms may seem harmless at first—but they can gradually disrupt your day-to-day activities and confidence, especially the longer they exist. Here are the most common signs that suggest it may be time for a urinary incontinence screening:

  • Leaking urine when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise
    Known as stress urinary incontinence (SUI), this is one of the most frequent types in women—especially postpartum or in midlife.
  • Feeling a sudden, intense urge to urinate—and not making it to the bathroom in time
    This is urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and it can happen even if your bladder isn’t full.
  • Waking multiple times at night to urinate
    Called nocturia, this can be disruptive to sleep and a clue that your bladder function may need support.
  • Difficulty starting or stopping urine or feeling like you never fully empty your bladder
    These symptoms are more than an annoyance—they can signal weakened pelvic floor muscles or nerve-related issues.

Want a quick and confidential way to see where you stand? Take our FREE BLADDER QUIZ to self-screen your bladder health with actionable direction.

Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence in Women

There’s no single cause for bladder leakage. It often develops over time, and several common factors increase your risk:

1. Pregnancy and Childbirth

Vaginal delivery can weaken pelvic floor muscles or damage nerves that help control the bladder. Cesarean birth can also cause pelvic floor problems that leaks to bladder issues.

2. Menopause and Hormonal Changes

Estrogen helps maintain healthy tissue in the bladder and urethra. When levels drop during menopause, it can affect bladder control.

3. Weight and Core Weakness

Extra weight puts more pressure on the bladder, and weak core muscles can reduce support for pelvic structures.

4. Aging and Muscle Loss

Bladder and pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken with age, making leaks more likely.

5. Medical Conditions

Conditions like diabetes, neurological disorders (such as MS or Parkinson’s), or chronic coughing can all play a role.

Understanding your risk factors is an important part of proactive bladder care. But knowledge alone isn’t enough—you need action too.

How to Self-Screen for Urinary Incontinence

Not sure if your symptoms are “normal” or need medical attention? Start by checking in with your body. Here are three steps you can take right at home:

1. Take the Free Incontinence Quiz

It’s quick, private, and can help you assess your symptoms and guide you to the right next step.
Take the Quiz Now

2. Keep a Bladder Diary

Track:

      • How often you go
      • How much you leak (if any)
      • What triggers your leaks (laughing, sneezing, etc.)
      • Fluid intake and any bladder irritants (like caffeine or alcohol)

Use the Flyte bladder diary here. This helps identify patterns and is useful info to bring to your doctor or pelvic floor therapist.

3. Test Your Pelvic Floor Strength

Try doing Kegel exercises—tighten your pelvic floor muscles (like you’re stopping urine midstream), hold for 3–5 seconds, and release.
If you struggle to feel or maintain the contraction, it could indicate pelvic floor weakness—one of the top causes of bladder leaks.

When to Talk to Your Physician About Your Urinary Issues

While many women try to manage bladder leaks on their own, there’s a point where professional help is important. Consider seeing a doctor, urogynecologist, or pelvic floor therapist if:

  • Your symptoms interfere with daily life (workouts, travel, sleep)
  • You feel embarrassed or anxious about leaving home
  • You’re using pads or liners regularly
  • You’ve tried lifestyle changes but haven’t improved

What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your provider will likely ask about your history, review a bladder diary, and may perform a pelvic exam or refer you to a specialist. You can ask:

  • What type of incontinence do I have?
  • Do I need further testing?
  • Are there conservative, non-surgical treatments available?
  • Is Flyte right for me?

Download information about Flyte for my provider

Take the Next Step Toward Confidence and Control

Empower yourself and take control of your urinary incontinence today. You deserve to feel confident, strong, and leak-free.

Here’s what you can do right now:


Flyte uses mechanotherapy to restore your pelvic floor strength in just five minutes a day—no appointments, no downtime. It’s FDA-cleared and backed by real clinical results.


Learn More About Flyte

The Bottom Line: Early Screening Matters


Urinary incontinence doesn’t have to rule your life. The earlier you screen and identify the signs, the sooner you can take back control.

You’re not alone. With the right information and support, you can go from living with bladder leaks to eliminating them altogether.

 

References

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