What is the primary treatment for urge incontinence?

The primary treatment for urge incontinence focuses on managing the overactive bladder symptoms that lead to involuntary urination episodes. Anticholinergics are considered the first-line pharmacological approach for this condition. These medications work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for bladder contraction, thereby reducing the frequency and urgency of urination.

Using anticholinergics can significantly improve patients' quality of life by decreasing urinary urgency and frequency, allowing more control over bladder function. This class of medication is often effective for many patients and is supported by extensive clinical evidence that demonstrates its efficacy in treating urge incontinence.

While pelvic floor exercises can be helpful as an adjunct treatment for some individuals, particularly in combination with other therapies, they are not typically the primary approach for managing urge incontinence in most clinical protocols. Surgical interventions and continuous catheterization are generally reserved for more severe cases or situations where other treatments have failed, making anticholinergics the primary choice in typical cases of urge incontinence.