Which type of incontinence is characterized by sudden urges to urinate with little warning?

The type of incontinence that is characterized by sudden urges to urinate with little warning is urge incontinence. This condition occurs due to involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles, which creates a sudden and intense need to urinate, often leading to involuntary leakage before a person can reach the bathroom.

Patients with urge incontinence may experience frequent urination and nighttime urination (nocturia), which can significantly impact their quality of life. The condition often results from various underlying issues, including bladder irritability, neurological conditions, or infections.

In contrast, stress incontinence involves the involuntary loss of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, like coughing or exercise. Functional incontinence pertains to physical or cognitive limitations that prevent timely access to a toilet, rather than an issue with bladder function itself. Overflow incontinence is characterized by the bladder overfilling and leaking due to a variety of factors, but it does not include the sudden urge component that characterizes urge incontinence.