Urge incontinence is a common urinary problem that affects millions of people in the UK. It may happen for a variety of reasons.
It is usually the result of bladder problems such as bladder exstrophy, ureters that connect to the bladder in the wrong place or nerve damage. It can also occur as a side effect of certain medicines.
What is Urge Incontinence?
Urge Incontinence is a common problem in which a person has an overwhelming urge to urinate, but they can't make it to the toilet. It can be caused by a bladder stone, prostate problems or other medical conditions that affect the way your bladder works.
In some cases, urge incontinence can lead to accidents. Symptoms of urinary incontinence can interfere with your life and lead you to seek medical attention.
A doctor can diagnose urge incontinence by performing a physical exam and asking you about your symptoms. They may also take a urine sample and test your pelvic floor muscles.
Treatment of urge incontinence aims to reduce the frequency and amount of incontinence episodes. It often starts with behavioral therapies such as bladder training and voiding diary, followed by medications or pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT).
Causes
Urge Incontinence is a common condition that affects many women and men. It is caused by abnormal bladder contractions and often a symptom of an underlying health issue or problem.
The condition can cause embarrassment and a decrease in quality of life. It can also increase the risk of infections and make it harder to move about.
Normally, strong muscles called sphincters control the flow of urine from the bladder. When there is urge incontinence, the bladder muscles contract with enough force to override the sphincters and leak urine.
Some people with urge incontinence can hold their urine for a long time, but others leak it more quickly. This type of incontinence is referred to as overflow urinary incontinence (OAB).
Another common type of incontinence is stress incontinence, which occurs when you cough, sneeze or laugh. It can be caused by age, obesity or certain medical conditions.
Symptoms
Urge Incontinence is a common problem that affects many men and women. It involves sudden, compelling urges to urinate that are usually followed by involuntary leakage of urine.
It is a condition that can be embarrassing and socially burdensome. In addition, it can lead to complications such as bladder infections and urinary tract stones.
Stress incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence that occurs when the bladder becomes overloaded, causing it to leak urine while coughing, laughing or engaging in physical activity. It can also occur due to a medical condition or injury.
Other symptoms include frequent urination (more than eight times a day) and waking up to urinate during the night -- called nocturia. It may be caused by a variety of conditions, including enlarged prostate glands or problems with the pelvic floor muscles.
Treatments
Urge incontinence is when you have an urgent need to urinate but can’t get to the bathroom. It can be caused by a variety of things, including obesity, age, or a condition called neurologic disease.
Your doctor may suggest several treatments for urge incontinence, depending on your symptoms. For example, pelvic floor therapy and Kegel exercises can strengthen the muscles that support your bladder.
Other treatment options include medications, a medical device, or surgery. For some people, hormone therapy can help reduce or eliminate UI. For some people, the use of incontinence underwear is also a great option, especially if you don't want to undergo surgery.
Exercises, such as vaginal cones and pelvic floor electrical stimulation, can also be helpful. These therapies use small weights to tighten the vaginal muscles and increase bladder control.
Medications, such as anticholinergics and topical estrogen, can calm the overactive bladder. They can also decrease the frequency and/or intensity of urination episodes.
