Which type of urinary incontinence is often associated with a sudden urge to urinate?

Urge incontinence is characterized by an intense and sudden need to urinate, often leading to involuntary leakage of urine. This type of incontinence occurs when the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably, even when the bladder is not completely full. It can be triggered by various factors, such as the sound of running water or certain behaviors, which may increase the urgency to void. Individuals with urge incontinence often experience this strong urge, making it difficult to reach the bathroom in time, which contributes to the episodes of leakage.

In contrast, functional incontinence is typically related to physical or cognitive impairments that prevent a person from reaching the toilet in time, rather than an urgent need to urinate. Stress incontinence is linked to physical activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercise that increase intra-abdominal pressure, resulting in leakage during such activities. Mixed incontinence includes symptoms of both urge and stress incontinence, but the defining feature of sudden urgency specifically points to urge incontinence as the correct response.