What is a recommended management option for urge incontinence?

Bladder retraining combined with antimuscarinic medications is regarded as a recommended management option for urge incontinence due to the dual approach it offers.

Bladder retraining is a behavioral technique designed to help individuals regain control over their bladder. It involves a structured schedule for urination, gradually increasing the intervals between voiding to help the bladder hold more urine and improve the ability to defer voiding. This retraining process can help reduce the frequency of urges and enhance bladder control.

On the pharmacological side, antimuscarinic medications work by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors in the bladder. This action decreases involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle, which significantly alleviates the symptoms of urge incontinence. By using both strategies together, patients often experience improved outcomes, as they address both the physiological and behavioral aspects of the condition.

Invasive surgical procedures, while sometimes considered for severe cases, are typically reserved for patients who have not responded to conservative management options. Additionally, increased fluid intake is generally not recommended as a management option for urge incontinence since it could potentially exacerbate symptoms by overloading the bladder. Antidepressants may be used in some cases, but they are not the frontline management strategy for urge