What is Urge Incontinence?

Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) is the involuntary loss of urine associated with a sudden and strong need to urinate. Urge incontinence is usually associated with an environmental (turning door knob, cold, running water) or psychological trigger (stress, anxiety), but it doesn’t have to be associated with a specific activity. Individuals with urge incontinence get a strong sensation to void their bladder and often cannot make it to the restroom successfully without partial or complete loss of bladder control. While this is common, it is not normal, and you don’t have to live with urge incontinence. At Jacobson Physical Therapy, we specialize in mobile pelvic floor therapy, bringing personalized, expert care directly to your home. 

How is it different from stress incontinence? 

Urge incontinence is different from stress incontinence. Stress incontinence is defined as the loss of urine with an increase in intraabdominal pressure and/or exertion during an activity. Stress incontinence is commonly seen with coughing, sneezing, laughing, running, jumping, lifting. 

Common Symptoms of Urge Incontinence

• A sudden, strong urge to urinate that’s difficult to delay

• A strong urge to urinate that seems to be “random” or “out of the blue”

• A strong urge to urinate that is associated with an activity (getting home, leaving the house, hearing water running). 

• Frequent urination, including waking at night 

• Leakage immediately following the urge

• Always feeling like you need to rush to get to the restroom

• Knowing where all the bathrooms are located in store/on road trips

• Needing to urinate again right after you’ve gone to the bathroom

• Difficulty reaching the bathroom in time

What Causes Urge Incontinence?

• Age and hormonal changes: Reduced bladder elasticity can increase urgency episodes. Changes in estrogen levels can increase urgency episodes. 

• Pelvic Floor Prolapse: changes in the range of motion or resting position of the pelvic floor organs can increase urgency episodes. 

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: weak, uncoordinated, or overactive muscles supporting the bladder and urethra. 

• Bladder irritants: including caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods, artificial sugars, carbonation 

• Neurological conditions: such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or spinal cord injury 

Understanding the cause is key to effective treatment, and a pelvic floor physical therapist can guide you every step of the way.

Who does urge urinary incontinence affect?

While urge incontinence does predominately affect women, both men and women can have urge incontinence. 

Risks Factors for developing Urge Incontinence Include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth

• Perimenopause or menopause

• Pelvic surgeries

• Certain medications 

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Neurological disorders

• Diabetes 

If these symptoms interfere with your life, it’s time to take action. 

How Mobile Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps:

At Jacobson Physical Therapy, our in-home therapy is tailored for convenience, privacy, and results. Key components include:

1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Retraining

   1. Urge incontinence is most often associated with a hyperactive pelvic floor. However, this is not always the case, and assuming it is due to hyperactivity could lead to improper care. After your pelvic floor musculature is assessed, We will create a personalized program for you to either address pelvic floor hypertonicity, weakness, or poor coordination. 

2. Bladder Training

   1. We will guide you through timed voiding and urge suppression techniques to retrain your bladder and reduce episodes or urgency. 

3. Personalized Treatment Plans

   1. Every patient's needs are unique. We create a plan that fits your lifestyle and addresses your specific symptoms. 

4. Comfort and Privacy at Home

   1. Many patients feel more comfortable receiving therapy in their own home. Mobile physical therapy eliminates the clinic stress and the burden of driving to/from appointments, while providing expert care. 

Take Control Today

Urge urinary incontinence doesn’t have to disrupt your life. With in-home pelvic floor physical therapy from Jacobson Physical Therapy, you can regain bladder control, confidence, and comfort. 

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today by calling (470)305-3145 or email at info@jacobsonpt.com and take the first step toward addressing urge incontinence in the comfort of your home.