Urge incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence caused by bladder contractions that occur sporadically and without warning, many times in instances where a restroom is not readily available. Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, most commonly occurs in older women, although it can occur in anyone.
When your body functions properly, it alerts you as the bladder fills with urine from the kidneys. As the bladder stretches, you will feel a first urge to urinate – this typically happens when there is around 1 cup of urine in the bladder. Most people can wait to use the bathroom until over 2 cups of urine are in the bladder, giving a person plenty of time to make it to a toilet.
With urge incontinence, your body doesn’t alert you early enough of the need to urinate and involuntarily contracts to release the bladder before you can reach a toilet. The bladder may involuntarily contract before it is even full, causing leakage when you don’t want it to.
What causes Urge Incontinence?
Urge incontinence or overactive bladder (OAB) can be sign of a serious underlying condition, so it’s important to visit a doctor.
Causes of urge incontinence include:
- Bladder stones
- Bladder infection
- Bladder cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
- Bladder obstruction
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Bladder inflammation
Urge Incontinence Treatment
Common techniques to treat urge incontinence include:
- Double voiding
- Dietary modification
- Bladder training
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises
If you consistently feel an uncontrollable urge to urinate, you may be experiencing urge incontinence. If you or a loved one are suffering frequent urges or accidents, it is time to see a physician. Tests can determine the type and severity of your urinary incontinence, and a customized treatment plan will be created for you.
Urge Incontinence in Middle Tennessee
If you live in middle Tennessee, Incontinence Institute can help. Schedule an appointment today with our experienced team of urologists.