Which type of incontinence is characterized by an overactive bladder?

Urge incontinence is characterized by an overactive bladder, which is a condition where there is a sudden and intense urge to urinate, often leading to involuntary leakage of urine. This occurs due to involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles, resulting in a strong compulsion to void, even when the bladder may not be full. Individuals with urge incontinence may experience frequent urination, including during the night (nocturia), and the urgency can be difficult to control, leading to accidents.

In contrast, other types of incontinence do not involve the same mechanism. For instance, stress incontinence is related to physical stress on the bladder, often during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, laughing, or exercise. Functional incontinence occurs when a person is unable to reach the bathroom in time due to physical or cognitive limitations, rather than bladder dysfunction. Overflow incontinence involves the bladder overfilling and spilling over due to an inability to empty completely, which is quite different from the sudden urges seen in urge incontinence. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the correct answer is indeed urge incontinence.