Urge Incontinence

Urge Incontinence – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Urge incontinence (also called overactive bladder) is a common form of urinary incontinence in which a person experiences a sudden and strong urge to urinate. The urge often occurs without warning, and many people do not reach the toilet in time. This can lead to involuntary urine leakage during both the day and night.

Urge incontinence can affect both children and adults, but it is more common in older people. The condition can have a significant impact on quality of life and may lead to insecurity in social situations.

What is urge incontinence?

With urge incontinence, the bladder reacts too early and contracts even when it is only slightly full. This is often caused by an overactive bladder muscle that sends signals to urinate before the bladder is actually full.

Typical symptoms include:

  • a sudden and strong urge to urinate
  • frequent toilet visits
  • involuntary urine leakage
  • night-time urination (nocturia)

Causes of urge incontinence

The cause of urge incontinence is not always clear, but it may be due to, among other things:

  • overactive bladder
  • neurological conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or after a stroke)
  • urinary tract infections
  • stress and psychological factors
  • age-related changes

In some cases, people are diagnosed with an overactive bladder without a known cause.

Treatment of urge incontinence

There are several effective treatment options for urge incontinence:

1. Pelvic floor training
Strengthens the muscles around the bladder and can improve bladder control.

2. Bladder training
Training to delay urination and increase bladder capacity.

3. Medical treatment
Can help reduce bladder overactivity.

4. Surgery (in rare cases)
Used if other treatments are not effective.

You may also suffer from stress incontinence or bladder problems.

Aids for urge incontinence

For many people, aids and supportive products can make everyday life significantly easier.

Incontinence underwear is a discreet solution that:

  • absorbs minor leaks
  • looks like ordinary underwear
  • provides greater reassurance in everyday life

They are especially suitable for light to moderate incontinence.

You can view incontinence briefs for women here and incontinence underwear for men here.

How common is urge incontinence?

Urge incontinence is more common than many people realise. Studies show that:

  • up to 6% of younger women experience symptoms
  • the proportion increases significantly with age
  • up to one third of women over the age of 80 are affected

Men can also experience urge incontinence, although to a lesser extent.

When should you seek help?

If you experience:

  • frequent and sudden urges to urinate
  • repeated accidents
  • reduced quality of life

you should contact your doctor for assessment and treatment.

This article was written by Mette Højlund, founder of DRY & COOL. Since 2014, DRY & COOL has been helping children and adults across Europe with discreet solutions for incontinence and bedwetting.