Urge incontinence is a symptom of overactive bladder. The onset of urge incontinence should be evaluated as it can be caused by a bladder infection, bladder stones, bladder tumor, or cancer. Abnormal bladder contractions caused by strong sphincter muscles that contract and cause the involuntary leakage of urine. Typically, the signs of this condition are an indication that there may be another underlying problem occurring, and should be evaluated by a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of urge urinary incontinence are easy to spot. This includes a sudden intense need to urinate with involuntary loss of urine. Often women will urinate more frequently to prevent leakage episodes. Other neurological conditions can result in urge incontinence and they may be categorized as detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (for example, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, or spinal cord injury).
Certain individuals have a higher risk for developing urge urinary incontinence, including:
- Elderly women
- Women with recent pregnancies or childbirths
- Women who have undergone pelvic surgeries
- Obese individuals
- Individuals with nerve damage
- Individuals with bladder or prostate cancers
- Women with urinary tract infections
Dr. Gandhi can assist patients with the treatment of urge urinary incontinence in several ways. Along with behavioral treatments such as biofeedback and Kegels, medical options such as urethral suppositories are also considered. These are used for the treatment of inflammation of the urethra. Medications including darifenacin, fesoterodine, oxybutynin, solifenacin, and tolterodine may be used to control this condition. In more severe cases, Dr. Gandhi of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology may suggest other treatments including bladder instillations. These can help decrease bladder pain and inflammation inside the bladder, which are responsible for causing urgency and frequency symptoms and incontinence.
With a proper examination and diagnosis, patients can seek treatment of their condition and lead a more active lifestyle. Dr. Gandhi of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology is committed to assisting women with the treatment of urological conditions and he helps them recover their quality of life!
