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Urge Incontinence

If a person leaks urine for no apparent reason after suddenly feeling the need or urge to urinate, it may be due to urge incontinence. Urge incontinence, a symptom seen in overactive bladder, is an indicator of conditions that may be as temporary as increased anxiety or a urinary tract infection or as serious as prostate or bladder cancer. A common cause of urge incontinence is inappropriate involuntary bladder contractions. Abnormal nerve signals might be the cause of these bladder spasms.

Causes of Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence can mean that the bladder empties during sleep, after drinking a small amount of water or when a person touches water or hears it running (as when washing dishes or hearing someone else taking a shower). Certain fluids and medications (e.g., diuretics) or emotional states (e.g., anxiety) can worsen this condition. Some medical conditions, for example, hyperthyroidism and diabetes, may also lead to or worsen urge incontinence.

Neuro-urological disorders may cause involuntary actions of bladder muscles because of damage to the nerves of the bladder, to the nervous system (spinal cord and brain), or to the muscles themselves. Nerve damage from such conditions as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke and injury all can harm bladder nerves or muscles.

Symptoms of Urge Incontinence

  • Frequent urination, in the daytime and at night (nocturia)
  • Involuntary leakage of urine
  • Sudden and urgent need to urinate

Testing for Urge Incontinence

  • Urinalysis or urine culture
  • Cystoscopy
  • Pad test
  • Pelvic or abdominal ultrasound
  • Urinary stress test
  • Urodynamic studies

Treatment for Urge Incontinence

  • Diet modification
  • Medication modification
  • Bladder retraining
  • Biofeedback
  • Physical therapy – Kegel exercises
  • Neuromodulation (nerve stimulation)
  • Medication
  • Botox injections


Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Bladder Health Program of South Florida website should be used solely for educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a healthcare provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications. Always ask your physician about all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits.

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