What is urge urinary incontinence (UUI)?
UUI occurs when someone feels a strong urge to urinate and is unable to hold her urine until she gets to the restroom. A common cause of UUI is a contraction of the bladder which can result in leakage of a few drops of urine or more. The leakage can sometimes be enough to soak through your clothes. Some women feel this strong urge when they hear running water, wash the dishes, unlock the door to their house, or step out into cold temperatures. The prevalence of UUI is higher in post-menopausal women compared to younger women. What causes UUI? Although UUI can be associated with medical problems like a stroke or neurologic disorder, the exact cause is often not known in the majority of women that suffer from this problem. How is incontinence evaluated? Successful treatment begins with a through evaluation. This includes a detailed questionnaire, careful history, and a complete physical exam. The physical exam will include collection of a urine specimen, a pelvic exam, and a neurologic e
