Which of the following best describes urge incontinence?

Urge incontinence is characterized by an involuntary loss of urine that occurs when there is a sudden and intense urge to urinate, which the individual feels unable to control. This condition is often caused by an overactive bladder, where nerve signals that control bladder contractions become overly sensitive or misfiring, leading to frequent and often sudden urges to urinate.

When someone experiences urge incontinence, they may find themselves rushing to the bathroom but may not make it in time, resulting in involuntary leakage of urine. This sensation of urgency is a hallmark symptom and distinguishes urge incontinence from other types of urinary incontinence, where the triggers or mechanisms of leakage differ.

Understanding urge incontinence can help in diagnosing and implementing appropriate treatment strategies, such as bladder training, pelvic floor muscle exercises, or medications that help manage overactive bladder symptoms.