Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Compelling urge to urinate, Sudden urinary urge, Urgent need to void, Bladder urgency, Urge to void, Imperative micturition
Definition
Urinary urgency is defined as a sudden, compelling desire to pass urine which is difficult to defer.1 This sensation occurs when the pressure in the bladder builds suddenly, causing a strong and immediate need to urinate that is challenging to control.2 Urinary urgency can occur regardless of whether the bladder is full, and it may make a person want to urinate more frequently than usual.2 Some people experience urinary urgency infrequently while others notice it throughout the day.2 It is the cornerstone symptom of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and is always considered pathological, distinguishing it from the normal urge to urinate experienced by healthy individuals.3 Urgency is known to have a strong negative impact on patients’ quality of life and requires attention from healthcare professionals.4
Clinical Context
Urinary urgency is a key symptom in the diagnosis and management of several urological conditions, most notably overactive bladder syndrome.1 It is often accompanied by increased urinary frequency, nocturia (waking at night to urinate), and sometimes urgency urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine associated with urgency).2
Patient selection for evaluation typically includes those reporting a sudden, compelling need to urinate that is difficult to control, especially when this symptom disrupts daily activities or quality of life.3 Differential diagnosis is important to distinguish urinary urgency from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, or neurological disorders.4
The clinical approach includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, urinalysis, and sometimes specialized tests like urodynamic studies.5 Treatment options range from conservative measures (bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, dietary modifications) to pharmacological interventions (antimuscarinic medications, beta-3 adrenergic agonists) and, in refractory cases, more invasive procedures.6
Several factors can exacerbate urinary urgency, including excessive fluid intake, caffeine and alcohol consumption, certain medications, and conditions affecting the nervous system.7 The expected outcome with appropriate management is significant symptom improvement, though complete resolution may not always be achievable in all patients.8