Urge urinary incontinence, also known as UUI, is a common bladder condition that can significantly disrupt daily life. People with UUI experience sudden, strong urges to urinate that can be difficult to control, sometimes leading to leakage before reaching the restroom. While the condition affects millions of adults, many people delay seeking care, often assuming it’s a normal part of aging or something they simply have to live with.

The good news: Urge urinary incontinence is treatable. And when lifestyle changes or medications don’t provide enough relief, there are additional options that may help.

What is Urge Urinary Incontinence?

Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) is often associated with an overactive bladder, a condition in which the bladder muscle contracts too frequently or unpredictably. Common symptoms of UUI include:

• A sudden, urgent need to urinate
• Frequent trips to the bathroom during the day or night
• Leakage that occurs before you can reach a restroom

Beyond the physical symptoms, UUI can affect quality of life, impacting sleep, social activities and emotional well-being. Because symptoms vary widely, evaluation by a specialist can help identify contributing factors and guide treatment. 

What Are the First Line Treatments for Urge Urinary Incontinence?

Most patients begin with conservative, noninvasive therapies. These first-line approaches are often effective and are recommended before moving on to more advanced options.

Lifestyle and behavioral strategies may include:

• Fluid and bladder training
• Dietary adjustments (such as reducing caffeine)
• Timed voiding schedules

Pelvic floor therapy can help strengthen and coordinate the muscles involved in bladder control, improving symptoms for many individuals.

Medications may also be prescribed to calm bladder activity. 

What Should You Do When Urge Urinary Incontinence Symptoms Persist?

For some patients, urge urinary incontinence continues despite trying lifestyle changes, physical therapy or medications. This doesn’t mean treatment has failed. It means that it may be time to explore additional options.

Specialists consider several factors when recommending next steps, including symptom severity, previous treatments, overall health and patient preferences. The goal is always to find a treatment plan that fits the individual, not a one-size-fits-all.

Advanced Treatment Options For Urge Urinary Incontinence

When first-line treatments aren’t enough, several additional therapies may be considered:

• Botulinum toxin (BOTOX®) injections into the bladder muscle to reduce overactivity
• Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), a therapy that stimulates nerves involved in bladder control through the ankle using a series of office-based treatments
• Sacral neuromodulation, which uses implanted technology to help regulate bladder signals

In recent years, newer tibial neuromodulation approaches have also emerged, expanding options for patients who may be candidates for nerve-based therapies. These treatments are designed to help improve communication between the bladder and the nervous system and may be considered after other conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

A urology or urogynecology specialist can help patients understand the benefits, risks and expectations of each option and determine which approach may be most appropriate.

Get the Help and Treatment That Works Best For You

CU Medicine providers like Kerri Thurmon, MD offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for urge urinary incontinence, using evidence-based approaches tailored to each patient’s needs. Educational webinars and resources can also help patients better understand their condition and treatment options.

Register for Dr. Kerri Thurmon’s next bladder control issues webinar.