Important Information On Using This Service
- Ergsy carefully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by YouTube after a video has completed have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in the center of the video.
Using Subtitles and Closed Captions
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on and choose your preferred language.
Turn Captions On or Off
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on captions, click settings.
- To turn off captions, click settings again.
Find A Professional
More Items From Ergsy search
-
Pelvic health: Urge Incontinence
Relevance: 100%
-
Prostate Surgery
Relevance: 73%
-
Lumbar surgery | NHS
Relevance: 69%
-
Thyroid eye disease. Squint surgery - The operation
Relevance: 62%
-
A journey to hip surgery
Relevance: 61%
-
Weight Loss Surgery
Relevance: 59%
-
What to expect when visiting our hospitals for surgery | Theatres
Relevance: 58%
-
Cataract surgery can resolve life long short-sightedness?!
Relevance: 57%
-
Is surgery necessary for Crohn's disease?
Relevance: 57%
-
Neurosurgery for Epilepsy
Relevance: 56%
-
What to expect when visiting our hospitals for surgery | Theatres
Relevance: 53%
-
Avoiding infections with urinary incontinence
Relevance: 52%
-
What to expect when visiting our hospitals for surgery | Theatres
Relevance: 52%
-
Inpatient Surgery at North Bristol NHS Trust
Relevance: 50%
-
Enhanced Recovery - Hip
Relevance: 49%
-
Undergoing day case surgery at University Hospitals Bristol
Relevance: 48%
-
Evidence-Based Interventions: snoring surgery in the absence of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Relevance: 46%
-
Evidence-Based Interventions: haemorrhoid surgery
Relevance: 45%
-
Pelvic health: stress urinary incontinence
Relevance: 45%
-
Bariatric Surgery - What to expect when you come to hospital for your operation.
Relevance: 44%
-
On the day of your cataract surgery
Relevance: 43%
-
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Forth Valley
Relevance: 42%
-
Incontinence and Prolapse - Physiotherapy Advice
Relevance: 41%
-
Post hand surgery - Stiffness management and trigger finger
Relevance: 41%
-
Knee replacement
Relevance: 38%
-
Newcastle Specialist Continence Service's Light Urinary Incontinence Project
Relevance: 38%
-
Total knee replacement
Relevance: 38%
-
Physiotherapy Assessment of Urinary Incontinence
Relevance: 38%
-
Your anaesthetic choices for your planned hip or knee replacement surgery at the RUH.
Relevance: 37%
-
Total hip replacement at Northumbria Healthcare
Relevance: 37%
-
Total hip replacement
Relevance: 36%
-
Incontinence | NHS
Relevance: 36%
-
Incontinence and Prolapse - Physiotherapy Advice
Relevance: 35%
-
Your Cataract Operation
Relevance: 35%
-
Surgery under local anaesthetic in the Minor Ops Unit at North Bristol NHS Trust
Relevance: 35%
-
Will a heart bypass make me live longer?
Relevance: 34%
-
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust – Faecal Incontinence and Constipation Healthcare
Relevance: 34%
-
What to expect on the day of your operation
Relevance: 33%
-
Experiencing delirium after surgery
Relevance: 33%
-
Having an operation
Relevance: 32%
Pelvic Health: Understanding Urge Incontinence
What is Urge Incontinence?
Urge incontinence, a common type of urinary incontinence, involves a sudden and strong need to urinate, often resulting in involuntary urine leakage before reaching a toilet. It can affect people of all ages but is more frequent in older adults. This condition occurs when the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably, leading to an urgent need to urinate that can be difficult to suppress.Causes of Urge Incontinence
Several factors can contribute to urge incontinence. These may include:- Overactive bladder syndrome
- Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
- Bladder infections or stones
- Certain medications that increase urine production
- Conditions like diabetes that affect bladder nerves
Symptoms of Urge Incontinence
The primary symptom of urge incontinence is a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. Other symptoms may include:- Frequent urination, often more than eight times a day
- Waking up multiple times at night to urinate (nocturia)
- Feeling an urgent need to urinate even if the bladder is not full
Diagnosis and Assessment
Diagnosing urge incontinence typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Healthcare providers in the UK may also recommend:- Bladder diaries to track urination patterns
- Urinalysis to check for infections or abnormalities
- Urodynamic tests to assess bladder function
- Cystoscopy to examine the bladder's interior
Treatment Options
Treatment for urge incontinence varies based on the underlying cause and severity. Common treatments include:- Lifestyle modifications: Reducing fluid intake, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Bladder training: Scheduled urination and exercises to delay urination urges.
- Medications: Anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists to relax bladder muscles.
- Physical therapy: Pelvic floor exercises to strengthen muscles supporting the bladder.
- Surgery: In cases of severe or refractory incontinence, surgical options may be considered.
Managing Urge Incontinence
Living with urge incontinence can be challenging, but several strategies can help manage symptoms effectively:- Wearing absorbent pads or protective clothing
- Practicing pelvic floor exercises regularly
- Planning ahead and identifying accessible restrooms
- Engaging in regular physical activity to improve overall health
Support and Resources
Numerous resources are available in the UK for individuals dealing with urge incontinence. These include support groups, educational materials, and professional guidance from healthcare providers. Organisations such as the Bladder and Bowel Community provide valuable information and support for managing urinary incontinence. In conclusion, understanding and addressing urge incontinence is crucial for maintaining pelvic health and overall well-being. With appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.Frequently Asked Questions
What is urge incontinence?
Urge incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence where there is a sudden and intense urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine.
What causes urge incontinence?
Urge incontinence is often caused by an overactive bladder. This may result from nerve damage, bladder infections, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
How common is urge incontinence in the UK?
Urge incontinence is quite common in the UK, particularly among older adults. It affects both men and women, but women are more likely to experience it.
What are the symptoms of urge incontinence?
The primary symptom is a sudden and uncontrollable need to urinate, which can lead to involuntary leakage of urine. This urge may occur frequently and with little warning.
Is urge incontinence the same as overactive bladder?
Urge incontinence is often associated with overactive bladder (OAB). While both conditions involve a strong, sudden need to urinate, urge incontinence includes involuntary urine leakage.
Can urge incontinence be treated?
Yes, treatments include lifestyle changes, bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, medications, and in some cases, surgery.
What lifestyle changes can help manage urge incontinence?
Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, losing weight, and managing fluid intake can help manage symptoms. Scheduled voiding and avoiding triggers like spicy foods may also be beneficial.
What are pelvic floor exercises?
Pelvic floor exercises, or Kegel exercises, strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can help support the bladder and reduce symptoms of urge incontinence.
Are there any medications for urge incontinence?
Yes, medications such as antimuscarinics and beta-3 agonists can help relax the bladder muscle and reduce symptoms of urge incontinence.
What is bladder training?
Bladder training involves scheduling bathroom visits and gradually increasing the time between urinations to help retrain the bladder to hold urine longer.
When should I see a doctor for urge incontinence?
If you experience frequent or severe urge incontinence that impacts your daily life, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
What happens during a medical evaluation for urge incontinence?
A medical evaluation may include a urinalysis, bladder diary, physical exam, and possibly urodynamic testing to assess bladder function.
Are there surgical options for treating urge incontinence?
Surgical options exist but are generally considered only when other treatments have failed. Procedures may include bladder augmentation or nerve stimulation techniques.
Can urge incontinence be prevented?
While it may not always be preventable, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding bladder irritants, and practicing pelvic floor exercises can reduce the risk of developing urge incontinence.
Is urge incontinence a sign of a more serious condition?
Urge incontinence can sometimes be associated with underlying conditions like bladder infections, neurological disorders, or diabetes. It's important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Pelvic health: stress urinary incontinence
- NHS - Urinary Incontinence Comprehensive NHS guide on urinary incontinence, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- Bladder and Bowel Community A UK charity that provides support and information on bladder conditions, including stress urinary incontinence.
- NHS Inform - Stress Incontinence Detailed information from NHS Scotland's official site about stress incontinence, its causes, symptoms, and management options.
- The Urology Foundation UK-based charity offering information and support for various urological conditions, including continence issues like stress urinary incontinence.
Useful links from: Newcastle Specialist Continence Service's Light Urinary Incontinence Project
- NHS UK - Continence Service NHS UK's official resource for understanding urinary incontinence which includes information on symptoms, causes, treatments, and getting help.
- Bladder & Bowel UK Bladder & Bowel UK's support and information for people experiencing bladder and bowel problems, including light urinary incontinence, with resources and advice on management options.
- Newcastle Hospitals - Continence Services Newcastle Hospitals' Continence Service page, providing information on the specialist services and support available for individuals with urinary incontinence.
- The Urology Foundation The Urology Foundation offers comprehensive information on urological health, including resources for patients dealing with urinary incontinence and access to specialist advice.
Useful links from: Avoiding infections with urinary incontinence
- NHS - Urinary Incontinence NHS guide on urinary incontinence, covering types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- NHS - Preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) NHS page on preventing urinary tract infections, offering practical advice and tips on reducing risk.
- Bladder Health UK Bladder Health UK provides support and information for people with bladder conditions, including urinary incontinence and preventing infections.
- Continence UK - Bladder and Bowel Community Bladder and Bowel Community is a UK-based charity offering information and support for those with bladder and bowel conditions, helping to manage and prevent infections.
Useful links from: Pelvic Floor Exercises - Using Your Pelvic Floor to Calm Down Your Bladder
- NHS - Pelvic floor exercises Guidance from the NHS on how to perform pelvic floor exercises for both women and men. This resource explains the benefits and provides step-by-step instructions.
- NHS Inform - Bladder Training Information on bladder training and pelvic floor exercises, how they can help control your bladder, and detailed guidance on how to perform the exercises correctly.
- Bladder & Bowel Community - Pelvic Floor Exercises A detailed guide on pelvic floor exercises from the Bladder & Bowel Community charity, including the importance of these exercises and how they assist in controlling bladder function.
- Continence Foundation - Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises A UK-based resource from the Continence Foundation that provides comprehensive information on pelvic floor muscle exercises for improving bladder control.
We would love to hear from you!
Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.
Important Information On Using This Service
- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.