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Art by Dr. Dugan

Urge Urinary Incontinence / Urinary Leakage – Doctor and Condition

Urge incontinence happens when there is a strong desire to urinate and leakage of urine occurs. It is very closely related to overactive bladder.

Common Symptoms and Related Terminology:

Description of the Problem:

A person with urge incontinence has a problem with bladder storage. Urge incontinence is basically an overactive bladder with embarrassing wet pants as the outcome. As you age, you may experience urge incontinence due to neurological issues, enlarged prostate, diabetes, lower back issues, or other causes. There is often a solution to urge incontinence leakage.

Urge Incontinence Differential Diagnosis (What else could it be?):

Urge Incontinence Evaluation:

The doctor will perform a thorough history and physical. They may ask about your eating / drinking habits to determine if you are consuming large amounts of caffeine, or other urinary bladder irritants. A urinalysis may be done to check for infection, which sometimes causes urge incontinence. Tests such as urodynamic studies may be performed to determine your bladder’s ability to empty completely. Specialized tests may include the following; measuring urine flow rate, testing bladder pressure, measuring bladder nerve impulses, creating images of bladder function, looking inside your bladder, or sacral nerve stimulation tests.

Urge Incontinence Treatment:

Incontinence treatment will depend on the cause of urge incontinence. Exercise may be an option, as well as medication or surgery.

Urge Incontinence Summary:

Urge incontinence is a topic you should discuss with your doctor to rule out an underlying serious condition. Treatments are available that will allow you to function normally in society. Pad-free life is always the goal, and often it can be achieved!

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