Which type of urinary incontinence is characterized by a sudden need to urinate followed by involuntary urination?

Urge incontinence is characterized by a sudden and strong need to urinate, which can lead to involuntary urination before reaching the bathroom. This condition often occurs due to an overactive bladder, where the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably, creating a sense of urgency. Individuals may experience frequent trips to the restroom and could even wake up multiple times during the night to urinate, a condition known as nocturia.

In contrast, stress incontinence is associated with physical activities, such as coughing or sneezing, leading to leakage due to pressure on the bladder. Functional incontinence relates more to physical limitations that prevent a person from reaching the bathroom in time, while overflow incontinence stems from a bladder that doesn't empty completely, resulting in leakage when the bladder becomes overly full. Understanding these distinctions helps in properly identifying and managing various forms of urinary incontinence.