Urge incontinence is a need to urinate that is so strong that you cannot reach the toilet in time. It can occur even when the bladder contains only a small amount of urine. Urge incontinence can be caused by bladder contractions that are too strong to be stopped by the bladder outlet valve (sphincter), which results in a near-emptying of the bladder.
Medicines and behavioral strategies, such as eliminating caffeinated and carbonated drinks, are used to treat urge incontinence.
Credits
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology |
| Last Updated | August 10, 2006 |
Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
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