I wet myself if I don’t pass urine as soon as I get the urge. Why?

DR, I usually find problems urinating as fast as possible.When I want to pass urine,any delay will cause me to wet myself. What could be the problem? Aaron Matunda

Dear Aaron Matunda,
The urinary bladder is a store of urine which is relaxed but stretches as it fills with urine. When it is about half-full we get a feeling to pass urine but we can hold on until we are ready to pass the urine.
This is achieved by nerves from the bladder muscle sending messages to the brain with the brain and back messages to the relevant parts of the urinary system with instructions about urine passage.
Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and other conditions which interfere with the brain’s ability to send messages to the bladder hence interfering with one’s ability to store and hold urine. Then the urge will come suddenly with one unable to resist it hence the bladder emptying itself without control (urge incontinence).

Also, as we age, we may find it difficult to hold on with urine leaking out if we do not hurry to pass it. This may become worse especially during stress or when one has taken drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Conditions that cause frequent passage of urine like a urinary tract infection or diabetes may also lead to urge incontinence.

Also, bladder irritation due to spices or even constipation may lead to loss of full bladder control. Pregnant women, those obese or men with a big prostate may leak urine when they apply even a little pressure on the abdomen like when they bend or laugh (stress incontinence) and may also leak urine when their bladders fill!

You need to pass urine before you get the urge, avoid caffeine, spices and alcohol but make sure you are able to visit your doctor to check for a possible medical cause whether there is change or not!