Urge incontinence

A Basic Understanding of Urge Incontinence

This article will provide the reader with an informative overview of urge incontinence, the symptoms, treatments and possible medications.

Firstly, please understand that urge incontinence is very common today, especially amongst women. Although estimates vary, there are thought to be about 6 million people suffering from some form of incontinence in the UK, and about one third of those cases are known to be urge incontinence.

Most important of all are the treatments that are available if you suffer from this condition. This article is going to outline a number of steps you can take today, to ease your suffering and bring yourself some comfort and peace of mind.

In fact, as a result of minor lifestyle changes, easy exercises and possible medication (if needed), you will be ready to take control of your life again.

Definition of Urge incontinence

Urge incontinence is defined as a sudden, immediate and unstoppable urge to urinate, resulting in the unintentional loss of urine.

What causes the sudden urge to urinate?

Urge incontinence creates an urgent need to rush to the toilet, which is then relieved by a urine leak before the toilet is reached. This occurs due to bladder muscles that contract inappropriately, regardless of the amount of urine currently present in bladder.

In simple terms, a loss of control is caused by sudden, uncontrolled contraction of the detrusor muscle. The detrusor muscle is located in the bladder and actually empties it when necessary.

It is very difficult to provide one specific cause for urge incontinence. It may be the result of infection, bladder inflammation, bladder stones, bladder cancer or even bladder outlet obstruction.

It is also possible that the cause may be neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis) or neurological injuries such as strokes or injuries to the spinal cord.

This condition can occur without warning and regardless of whether stress is present or not (as commonly understood). In other words, it appears that nothing specific causes urge incontinence to be bought on.

Why is it not well publicised or well known?

This is a condition that is very rarely discussed in public due to the stigma attached. As such, people are very embarrassed and prefer to suffer the problem for years rather than divulging their condition, even to a doctor.

Please realise that such suffering is unnecessary and can be eased. Not only that, but in many cases it can be cured. The first step is to seek advice and recognise that action needs to be taken.

Recognising the Symptoms of Urge Incontinence

While urge incontinence is more commonly found in women and the elderly, it can happen to anyone and at any age. As such, it is important to know and recognise the symptoms.

The first symptom is the most obvious. It is the sudden and urgent need to urinate without warning. This is also known as urinary urgency. It is also important to note the frequency of urination, either during the daytime or at night. This can also be a telling signal.

The involuntary loss of urine is also a symptom of urge incontinence. Finally, please also note that pains and discomfort in your abdominal region is also a symptom to be aware of. In all cases you should consult your doctor or local GP.

Treatments

It is important to note that there are several possible ways of treating and managing urge incontinence depending on the symptoms that are identified.

If the evidence suggests that an infection is present in the urine, then antibiotics will be prescribed. In addition to that, realise that the actual treatment provided from your doctor, will relate to the specific symptoms and the extent of discomfort and lifestyle problems being experienced.

Treatments can also come in the form of simple lifestyle and diet changes, exercises, medication and surgery.

Simple Diet Modifications

One of the simplest and easier steps to take is to monitor your daily fluid intake. The target should be to distribute any fluid intake, evenly throughout the day. This will prevent the bladder from having to deal with a large volume of urine at any one time.

Another modification to your diet, is to remove those foods that can irritate your bladder. Such foods can include caffeine, highly acidic foods (fruit juice and citrus fruits), hot & spicy foods and carbonated drinks.

Medications

When treating urge incontinence, the aim of any medication is to relax the involuntary bladder contractions while improving the bladder function. This has the effect of increasing the bladder’s capacity to hold urine.

A range of medications are available for treating urge incontinence and in fact, this form of incontinence seems to react best to medication and proves most helpful. Medications can be prescribed alone or in a combination.

Ditropan and Detrol will relax the smooth muscle of the bladder and are the most commonly used medications for urge incontinence.

Anticholinergic agents are specifically designed for urge incontinence as they inhibit the involuntary contractions of the bladder, while increasing its capacity and delaying the initial urge to release. An analysis in 2003 reported that it produced small but significant improvement, however it can also exhibit the side effects of dry mouth.

Surgery

Surgery is an option for patients who are severely incapacitated by urge incontinence. The purpose and aim of the surgery is to improve the storage capability of the bladder.

A surgical procedure called Augmentation cystoplasty is the most frequently performed for severe urge incontinence. This is a form of reconstructive surgery in which a segment of the bowel is added to the bladder. This has the effect of increasing the bladder size, thus allowing the bladder to accumulate more urine.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. In this case they include bowel obstruction, blood clots, infection, and pneumonia. Such surgery should be discussed at length with your doctor prior to any operation.

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