Experts don't fully understand the mechanism of urge incontinence, as doctors refer to an overactive bladder. It's believed to involve changes in the nerves controlling the muscular wall of the bladder, causing it to contract before it's full. Both sexes can be affected, but the problem is more common in women. Aging, menopause, prior surgery and childbirth are frequent contributors, as are caffeine, alcohol, and acidic and spicy foods. Simple lifestyle changes might solve the problem, but if they do not, see your doctor.
Effective treatments are available.
The first step is to have the problem properly diagnosed. Bladder infections and diabetes also cause frequent urination, or may contribute to an overactive bladder problem. These conditions must be treated for good health, and may solve the problem once they are cured or brought under control. For those who are diagnosed with urge incontinence, exercises and behavioral therapy to retrain muscles associated with urination are highly effective, but take considerable diligence and commitment. Bladder retraining can control the problem in up to 80 percent of cases, however, so it's well worth the effort.