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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Get emergency help for sudden loss of bladder control accompanied by severe back pain, new leg weakness, numbness around the genitals or buttocks, or loss of bowel control.
These can be signs of serious pressure on the nerves at the base of the spine.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if you have:
Blood in your urine
Pain or burning when urinating
Fever with urinary symptoms
Repeated urinary infections
New difficulty starting urination or emptying your bladder
Persistent pelvic pain or an unexplained pelvic lump
An inability to urinate with severe lower abdominal pain also needs urgent assessment.
Sudden leakage by itself, without these warning signs, is not usually an emergency.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if leakage is frequent, worsening, limiting activity, affecting sleep or relationships, or requiring regular pads.
You should also seek assessment if you are unsure whether leakage is caused by effort or by sudden urgency.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Stress urinary incontinence. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.