Urinary urgency refers to a compelling and sudden need to urinate that can be difficult to control. This symptom arises due to disruptions in the neurological pathways that regulate bladder function. Parkinson’s affects the brain’s ability to properly signal when the bladder is full or when it needs to be emptied, leading to an exaggerated sensation of urgency even when the bladder may not be completely full.
Additionally, medications used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms can sometimes exacerbate bladder symptoms, increasing urgency. Urinary urgency can significantly impact your daily life, causing discomfort, anxiety, and challenges in managing social situations. Managing urinary urgency involves strategies such as timed voiding schedules, pelvic floor exercises to improve bladder control, lifestyle modifications like fluid management, and occasionally medications to reduce bladder spasms or urgency sensations.