Urge incontinence or an overactive bladder (OAB) can cause frequent and sudden urges to urinate, which may be challenging to control and could lead to leakage. This condition, although common, is not something that comes with age. 

In the United States, about 30% of men and 40% of women live with overactive bladder symptoms. Despite its prevalence, it is often stigmatized and overlooked. Many people suffer silently instead of seeking help. 

Seeking prompt treatment is crucial for living life without disruptions or fear. Managing urge continence may involve lifestyle modifications, and you may find yourself exploring behavioral strategies as well. 

In some cases, when conventional treatment options prove insufficient, opting for advanced treatment options may become necessary. Advanced treatments, such as Axonics Therapy, can then become a significantly valuable way to provide long-lasting relief.

Factors that can increase the risk of developing urge incontinence include:

• Age: As you grow older, changes in your muscle tone and nerve activity can affect your bladder function and control.  
• Gender: For women, factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, and hormonal fluctuations during menopause increase the risk of developing an overactive bladder. 
• Drinking excessive fluids: Drinking a lot of fluids, especially close to bedtime, can increase your bladder volume and lead to more frequent urination.
• Consuming bladder irritants: Certain substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and spicy foods, can irritate your bladder.

The main symptom of urge incontinence is the sudden urgency to urinate, often associated with an overactive bladder. You may experience symptoms such as:

• A sudden and intense urge to urinate that is difficult to control, often occurring at inappropriate times.
• Leakage of urine before reaching the restroom, typically due to the inability to hold the urine.
• Increased frequency of urination, even during the night.
• Involuntary urine leakage during sleep.
• Anxiety and stress due to the fear of leakage and embarrassment due to unexpected urges to urinate.
• Disruption of daily activities, routines, social engagements, and overall quality of life.

Without appropriate treatment, the severity of your symptoms can vary over time, potentially worsening.

The management of urge incontinence includes various treatment approaches based on the severity of your symptoms, their underlying causes, and your overall health condition.

• Bladder training: This involves behavioral modifications, such as scheduled voiding and gradually increasing the time between your bathroom visits. It aims to retrain your bladder to hold urine longer and reduce urgency.
• Dietary changes: Avoid food and drinks that irritate your bladder. This includes caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners, which can alleviate your symptoms. Additionally, incorporating healthy foods and proper hydration can support your overall bladder health.
• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises): Strengthening pelvic floor muscles can improve bladder control, reducing urgency and leakage. Kegel exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles supporting your bladder and urethra.
• Medications: Prescription medications can help relax your bladder muscle and reduce the urgency and frequency of urination. They can be very helpful in bladder control.
• Botox injections: Injecting botulinum toxin (Botox^Ⓡ) into the bladder muscle can relax it and reduce overactivity, offering relief from urge incontinence.

In cases where conservative options are ineffective, Axonics Therapy can be beneficial as an advanced, minimally invasive treatment option, providing long-term relief from urge incontinence.

Axonics Therapy utilizes electric signals to stimulate your nerves and improve bladder and brain communication. Through a minimally invasive procedure, a miniature device is implanted in your lower back region, close to the spine that provides electric stimulation to your sacral nerves.

At Northwest Continence Center, our providers specialize in spine-related surgeries, including the Axonics implant procedure. With our extensive experience and expertise, we ensure meticulous care and precision during the procedure.