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Warning-sign checks

Urinary incontinence in men: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get urgent or emergency help if:

    • You suddenly cannot pass urine, especially with severe lower abdominal pain
    • New bladder problems occur with leg weakness or numbness
    • You develop numbness around the genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs
    • You lose bowel control along with new bladder symptoms
    • Fever, shaking, vomiting, or pain in the side accompanies urinary symptoms

    This needs emergency assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if you have visible blood in your urine, pain when urinating, fever, repeated urinary infections, or new leakage after an injury or procedure.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if leakage is new, persistent, or affecting sleep or daily activities.

    Assessment is also appropriate if you have a weak stream, difficulty starting, frequent nighttime urination, or a feeling that your bladder does not empty.

The article also says

New bladder or bowel changes with leg weakness or numbness around the groin can indicate pressure on the nerves at the base of the spine.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Urinary incontinence in men. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.