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). This 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.
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By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
| Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology |
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Last Revised
| July 17, 2012 |