What is a primary symptom of urge incontinence?

The primary symptom of urge incontinence is characterized by a sudden and strong urge to urinate, which is often accompanied by involuntary leakage of urine. This urgent need to void can occur even when the bladder is not full. Treatments commonly include anticholinergic medications, which help to reduce bladder spasms and increase bladder capacity.

Individuals experiencing urge incontinence may find themselves unable to reach the bathroom in time, highlighting the impact of urgency on their daily lives. This symptom differentiates urge incontinence from other types, such as stress incontinence, where leakage occurs during activities that increase abdominal pressure.

In contrast, frequent urination throughout the day can be a symptom of several urinary disorders but does not specifically indicate urge incontinence. The inability to urinate despite feeling pressure typically aligns more with urinary retention, and excessive urine output at night (nocturia) can also suggest different underlying conditions such as diabetes or heart failure rather than urge incontinence specifically. Thus, the association of a sudden urge to urinate, often treated with anticholinergics, is what clearly identifies the hallmark symptom of urge incontinence.