Urge Incontinence: What is it?

Urge Urinary Incontinence: treat abnormal bladder contractions

Urge incontinence, also called overactive bladder, is a condition in which the bladder muscle contracts too often. This can cause leakage of urine or difficulty holding urine in the bladder. Many people with urge incontinence have a strong, sudden urge to urinate that they cannot control

There are many possible causes of urge incontinence. It is more common in older adults, but it can happen at any age. Urge incontinence may be caused by an infection, a problem with the nerves that control the bladder, or medications. Overactive bladder is also more common in women than men. In some cases, the cause is unknown

There are treatments available that can help lessen the symptoms of urge incontinence. Some lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, may also help. If these measures do not help, there are medications and other treatments that can be tried

What are the symptoms of urge incontinence?

The main symptom of urge incontinence is the uncontrolled loss of urine. This can happen when you cough, laugh, or lift something heavy. Other symptoms may include:

  • urinary frequency, which means needing to urinate more than eight times in 24 hours
  • nocturia, which means needing to urinate more than once at night
  • urinary urgency, which is a strong need to urinate right away
  • waking up several times during the night to urinate
  • wetting accidents during the day
  • leaking small amounts of urine when you change position or exercise
  • feeling like you cannot empty your bladder completely

These symptoms can cause problems with everyday activities and disrupt your sleep. They can also lead to embarrassment and isolation

What are the causes of urge incontinence? 

Urge incontinence has many possible causes. It may be caused by an infection, a problem with the nerves that control the bladder, or medications. Overactive bladder is also more common in women than men. In some cases, the cause is unknown. Possible causes include:

  • urinary tract infections
  • constipation
  • neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, a stroke, or a spinal cord injury
  • diabetes

How is urge incontinence diagnosed? 

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. You will also have a physical exam and may have tests such as a urine test or imaging tests of your urinary system. These tests can rule out other conditions and help your doctor find the cause of your symptoms.

Treatment for urge incontinence often starts with lifestyle changes and behavioral therapies. If these do not help enough, there are many effective treatments available including medications, nerve stimulation therapies, and surgery. With treatment, most people with urge incontinence can live normal lives with few disruptions from their symptoms.


If you have uncontrolled leakage of urine or difficulty holding urine in your bladder, you may have urge incontinence also called overactive bladder a condition that affects many adults at some point in their lives. Although it's more common in older adults, it can affect people of any age and even children. Women are more likely to experience urge incotinence than men. There are many possible causes of urge incontinence including infections, problems with the nerves that control the bladder muscle contractions, certain medications ,and obesity .In some cases ,the cause is unknown .There are many effective treatments available for people who suffer from urge incotience including lifestyle changes ,behavioral therapies ,certain medications ,nerve stimulation therapies ,and surgery .With treatment ,most people with urge incontiance can live normal lives with minimal disruptions from their symptoms .If you think you may have urge incotenance ,talk to your doctor about treatment options .