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Urge incontinence overview

Urge incontinence is uncontrolled urine loss associated with a strong, immediate need to empty the bladder. There is generally no gradual warning, only a very sudden urge which may be brought on by an external factor— such as the sound of running water, a rush of cold air or the “key in the lock” scenario of barely making in the front door of one’s home before rushing to the bathroom.

Women who have urge incontinence will often lose a large amount of urine with each episode.

Urge incontinence is also called overactive bladder (OAB) because the bladder contracts to release urine in an abnormal way. The condition occurs when nerve passages from the bladder to the brain are damaged, causing a sudden bladder contraction.

While the cause of urge incontinence is unknown for most cases, some causes and/or contributing factors are:

• Inflammation
• Bladder outlet obstruction
• Neurologic disease or injury
• Diabetes

Several treatment options are very effective for urge incontinence, and most women who have the condition can be cured or the symptoms can be greatly improved.