Definition
Urgency that is difficult to postpone, with or without leakage, after considering other causes.
Symptoms
Frequent toilet visits, sudden urges, night-time urination and sometimes leakage before reaching a toilet.
How it may be discovered
Affects women and men, with or without another urinary condition.
When to seek care
Consult when urgency limits activities. Burning, bleeding or fever needs specific assessment.
Investigations and tests
Bladder diary, examination, urine testing and residual measurement when indicated; urodynamics for selected cases.
Reaching a diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical after excluding causes such as infection. Symptoms do not necessarily mean abnormal contractions on testing.
Treatment options
Habit changes, bladder training, medication and selected botulinum toxin or neuromodulation treatments.
Explore this topic further
Continue with related explanations of how the body works and treatment options.