What is a common characteristic of overflow incontinence?

Prepare for the ITE Board General Internal Medicine test. Utilize structured study resources, flashcards, and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to ensure exam success!

Overflow incontinence is characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine that occurs when the bladder becomes overdistended and cannot empty completely. This is often due to a blockage or an issue with bladder function, which results in consistent dribbling of urine. Patients may not feel the urge to urinate until the bladder is significantly full, leading to a situation where urine escapes regularly, often without their awareness.

In this context, the other characteristics mentioned in the answer choices do not align with overflow incontinence. Frequent urges to urinate relate more to conditions such as urge incontinence, while the involuntary loss of urine during physical activity pertains to stress incontinence. A sudden, urgent need to void is typically indicative of an overactive bladder rather than overflow incontinence. Thus, consistent dribbling due to incomplete bladder emptying accurately describes this condition and highlights its distinctive nature.

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