Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence is the sudden desire to urinate. This is as the result of the bladder muscle contracting and squeezing the urine out. The desire to urinate is usually accompanied by a loss of urine.
Patients with urge incontinence usually complain of urinary frequency and urgency, feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, night time voiding, having to urinate more than 8 times per day, loss of urine with climax, and always feeling a full bladder even though recently voided.
Other possible conditions with similar symptoms are bladder cancer, kidney or bladder stone, infection and other nerve or brain injury. In the course of a workup these other conditions are checked and ruled out.
A good history and physical exam is essential in evaluating patients with this condition. Neurological evaluation is also important in identifying etiology. Testing can include urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, CT scan of the kidneys, and pelvic ultrasound.
Many effective treatment options are available for this conditions. Addressing and treating the causative agent is the most effective treatment option. Pelvic exercise and diet modification has shown to help. Safe and effective medications work in some patients, Botox injection and placement of a pacemaker for the bladder is also helpful in controlling symptoms.
As a uro- gynecologist Dr. Tahery is an expert in treating patients with urinary disorders.
