What is a characteristic of detrusor underactivity?

Detrusor underactivity refers to a condition where the bladder muscle (detrusor) does not contract with sufficient strength during urination, leading to incomplete bladder emptying. This characteristic can result in overflow incontinence, which occurs when the bladder becomes overly full and spills urine.

In overflow incontinence, the increased urine volume can surpass the capacity of the bladder to contain it, leading to involuntary leakage. Patients may experience dribbling or a constant small flow of urine due to the inability to expel urine effectively. This condition is often seen when there is reduced bladder contractility or obstruction to urine flow, such as in cases of benign prostate hyperplasia in men.

Despite the presence of increased urinary frequency or impaired bladder sensitivity, these symptoms are not direct characteristics of detrusor underactivity itself. Instead, they may arise from other bladder conditions or dysfunctions. Understanding these nuances can help in managing patients with urinary incontinence related to detrusor underactivity effectively.