What causes the urge to urinate?

The urge to urinate is usually caused by the accumulation of urine in the bladder, which stretches the bladder walls and signals the brain that it is time to void the urine. This signal triggers the muscles of the bladder to contract, while the muscles around the urethra relax to allow urine to pass out of the body. Other factors that can contribute to the urge to urinate include consuming fluids, certain medical conditions such as urinary tract infections or bladder disorders, certain medications, and psychological factors such as stress or anxiety.