Urge incontinence, often referred to as overactive bladder (OAB), is a condition that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. From unexpected leaks to the constant urge to urinate, it can be both embarrassing and frustrating. However, understanding its causes, symptoms, and management strategies can empower individuals to seek appropriate treatment and regain control over their bladder function.

What is Urge Incontinence?

Urge incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence characterized by a sudden and intense need to urinate, followed by involuntary loss of urine. It can be caused by an overactive bladder muscle, which contracts involuntarily, leading to the urgent need to urinate even when the bladder isn’t full. This condition can occur at any age but is more common in older adults.

Causes of Urge Incontinence:

Several factors can contribute to the development of urge incontinence, including:

1. Bladder Irritants: foods or liquids that can irritate the bladder and urinary tract and increase symptoms
2. Bladder disorders: interstitial cystitis or recurrent UTIs
3. Medications: diuretics, sedatives, and medications for high blood pressure, can increase urine production or affect bladder function, leading to urinary urgency and incontinence
4. Poor bladder habits: using the bathroom frequently, ‘just in case’ voiding

Symptoms of Urge Incontinence:

The hallmark symptom of urge incontinence is the sudden and overwhelming urge to urinate, often accompanied by an involuntary loss of urine. Other symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination (8+ times during the day)
• Waking up more than 2 times at night to urinate
• Inability or extreme difficulty to delay the urge to urinate once it is felt
• Leaking urine before arriving to the toilet

Management of Urge Incontinence with Pelvic Floor PT:

1. Bladder Interval Training: gradually working on spacing voids between 2-4 hours
2. Urge control strategies: certain strategies to decrease the level of urge felt including things like deep breathing and making your way slowly to the bathroom
3. Bladder Irritant Modifications: avoiding, limiting or reducing bladder irritants that may cause increased urgency or frequency of urination
4. Pelvic floor stretches to decrease tension in the pelvic floor

Come see us!

If you or someone you know is experiencing urge incontinence, understanding its causes and symptoms is the first step towards regaining control over bladder function and improving quality of life. From managing bladder irritants to learning urge control strategies and pelvic floor exercises, there are effective ways to address this condition. Take charge of your health and well-being today by scheduling an appointment with us. Our expert team is here to support you on your journey to better bladder health and overall wellness. Don’t wait—let’s work together to make a positive difference in your life. Come see us and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you!

— Caylee Skoglund, DPT