Urge incontinence is characterized by which pattern?

Urge incontinence is characterized by which pattern?

• A. Nocturnal enuresis
• B. Involuntary loss immediately preceded by urgency
• C. Leakage with coughing
• D. Leakage only with full bladder

Answer: (B)

Urge incontinence is defined by leakage that begins after a sudden, compelling urge to void. The bladder contracts involuntarily (detrusor overactivity), so urine escapes as soon as the urge occurs, often before the person can reach the toilet. This pattern distinguishes it from other types: leakage with coughing or exertion points to stress incontinence, where leakage is triggered by increased abdominal pressure, not urgency. Leakage only with a full bladder suggests overflow or another storage issue, not the urgent trigger. Nocturnal enuresis involves bedwetting at night and isn’t the defining pattern of urge incontinence. The key feature is leakage that happens immediately following an urgent urge to void.

Urge incontinence is defined by leakage that begins after a sudden, compelling urge to void. The bladder contracts involuntarily (detrusor overactivity), so urine escapes as soon as the urge occurs, often before the person can reach the toilet. This pattern distinguishes it from other types: leakage with coughing or exertion points to stress incontinence, where leakage is triggered by increased abdominal pressure, not urgency. Leakage only with a full bladder suggests overflow or another storage issue, not the urgent trigger. Nocturnal enuresis involves bedwetting at night and isn’t the defining pattern of urge incontinence. The key feature is leakage that happens immediately following an urgent urge to void.