Urgency and Incontinence: Causes and Solutions

Urgent need to urinate, unable to hold it?

Hello Doctor, due to my work, I occasionally hold my urine.
About a year ago, I started to feel an urgent need to urinate as soon as I felt the urge, and sometimes I even experience urinary incontinence.
There was a period when it seemed to improve, but recently it has returned, and I feel that my sexual function has also been affected; I find it difficult to control ejaculation when I am stimulated.
During the annual health check at my company, the only abnormal result was a low glomerular filtration rate (70-80), while other urine tests were normal.
I previously consulted a urologist, and my urine test results were also normal.
I tend to be a more anxious and nervous person, and I wonder if this could be overactive bladder syndrome, or if there are specific tests I should consider?

William, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/03

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology

Symptoms are very similar to overactive bladder; it is recommended to consult a urologist and have regular follow-ups for a period of time.

Reply Date: 2019/11/03

More Info

Understanding urgency and incontinence, particularly in the context of your symptoms, involves recognizing the interplay between physical health, psychological factors, and lifestyle. Urgency refers to a sudden, compelling urge to urinate that is difficult to control, while incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. Your experience of feeling like you cannot hold your urine, coupled with occasional leakage, suggests that you may be dealing with a form of urinary incontinence, potentially exacerbated by anxiety or stress.

Several factors can contribute to urgency and incontinence. One common cause is overactive bladder (OAB), a condition characterized by an abnormal contraction of the bladder muscles, leading to frequent urination and urgency. This condition can be influenced by various factors, including age, neurological conditions, and lifestyle choices such as fluid intake and caffeine consumption. Given your history of anxiety and stress, it is also possible that these psychological factors are contributing to your symptoms. Stress can exacerbate bladder sensitivity, leading to increased urgency and even incontinence.

Your mention of experiencing changes in sexual function, particularly with increased stimulation leading to premature ejaculation, may also be linked to anxiety. Anxiety can affect sexual performance and lead to a cycle of worry that further exacerbates both urinary and sexual issues. It is essential to address these concerns holistically, as they may be interconnected.

In terms of diagnostic steps, since you have already undergone urinalysis and found normal results, it may be beneficial to consider further evaluations. A urodynamic study could provide insights into how your bladder is functioning and whether there are any abnormalities in bladder pressure or capacity. Additionally, a thorough assessment by a urologist or a specialist in pelvic floor disorders could help determine if there are any underlying conditions contributing to your symptoms.

Lifestyle modifications can also play a significant role in managing urgency and incontinence. Techniques such as bladder training, which involves gradually increasing the time between urinations, can help improve bladder control. Additionally, pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) can strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and help reduce incontinence episodes.

If anxiety is a significant factor in your symptoms, consider exploring stress management techniques. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness practices can be effective in reducing anxiety and improving overall well-being. These approaches can help you develop coping strategies for managing stress, which may, in turn, alleviate some of the urgency and incontinence symptoms.

In summary, your symptoms of urgency and incontinence may be multifactorial, involving both physical and psychological components. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in urology or pelvic health to explore further diagnostic options and treatment strategies. Addressing both the physical aspects of your condition and the psychological factors may lead to a more comprehensive and effective management plan.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Frequent Urgency with Little Urine Output: Causes Explained

I often feel a sense of urgency to urinate, but when I go to the bathroom, I notice that the urine volume is not particularly high, and it seems to lack force. What could be the reason for this?

Dr. Chen Zhihong reply Urology
Subject of the Issue: Frequent Urgency to Urinate, Yet... Response to the Issue: For young individuals, symptoms such as urgency, frequent urination, and low urine volume are often caused by factors such as work stress, nervous tension, and an impatient personality. These factor...

Managing Overactive Bladder: Rehabilitation Strategies for Urgency and Incontinence

Six years ago, I had chickenpox accompanied by a high fever, which has led to my current symptoms of frequent urination, urgency, nocturia, and urge incontinence. During the storage phase of urination, my bladder often experiences involuntary contractions without warning. If I ca...

Dr. Zheng Shunping reply Rehabilitation
Hello: In response to your inquiry, based on your description and clinical presentation, it appears to be an overactive neurogenic bladder caused by upper motor neuron damage. Management options include pharmacological treatment, external urinary devices, indwelling catheters, in...

Understanding Urgency: Seeking Solutions for Frequent Urination Issues

Hello, I sometimes experience a persistent urge to urinate, but when I rush to the bathroom, I only manage to pass a drop or two, or sometimes nothing at all. After leaving the restroom, I feel the urge to go again, which makes me feel like I want to stay on the toilet; it’s real...

Dr. Chen Nengjin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ms. Wu: Hello, we deeply sympathize with your suffering. The causes of frequent urination or urinary incontinence in women may be due to organic changes, nerve tension, or psychological factors. We welcome you to visit Hualien Hospital for an examination, so that we can provide t...

Understanding Urgency and Frequency in Urinary Issues: Causes and Solutions

Hello Dr. Yan! For the past 2 to 3 years, I have been experiencing sudden urges to urinate, so intense that I sometimes can't make it to the bathroom in time. This occurs quite frequently, leading me to need to use the restroom approximately once an hour, and sometimes even ...

Dr. Yan Dawei reply Urology
It is recommended to visit an outpatient clinic for further examination as soon as possible to understand the underlying cause. If you have thoughts of suicide, you can seek help from a psychiatrist.