In the context of urinary incontinence, how do anticholinergic agents exert their effects?

Anticholinergic agents are primarily used in the treatment of urinary incontinence due to their ability to relax the bladder smooth muscle and reduce involuntary contractions. This action occurs because these medications block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that promotes muscle contraction in the bladder.

By inhibiting acetylcholine's effects on muscarinic receptors in the bladder, anticholinergics effectively decrease the frequency and urgency of involuntary bladder contractions, leading to an increase in bladder capacity and a reduction in episodes of incontinence. This mechanism helps individuals manage symptoms associated with overactive bladder, making it a valuable option in therapeutic regimens for urinary incontinence.

The other options present mechanisms that are not aligned with the pharmacological action of anticholinergic agents in this context. Enhancing detrusor muscle contractions, increasing bladder sensitivity, or stimulating bladder contractions would counteract the therapeutic goals of reducing involuntary bladder activity, which is fundamentally what the use of anticholinergics aims to achieve.