Incontinence Guide

What Is Reflex Incontinence: Causes & Treatment Options

 

There are several different types of incontinence. One that is exceptionally concerning is reflex incontinence. It is often caused by damaged nerves sending messages between the brain and the bladder, signaling the need to urinate. The primary cause is a spasm in the detrusor muscle (the muscle that pushes urine out of your bladder). Reflex incontinence is similar to urge incontinence but with one major difference…the person suffering from reflex urinary incontinence does not feel the sudden urge to urinate. At HPFY, we have a wide range of incontinence products to help you manage reflex incontinence.

What Is Reflex Incontinence?

With several different types of incontinence, how do you know that you’re suffering from reflex incontinence? This type of incontinence is also known as automatic bladder dysfunction and occurs due to a disruption in the normal communication between your brain and your bladder. Reflex incontinence causes are:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s
• Strokes

These conditions, as well as other neurological problems, can cause the bladder to contract or reflex at the wrong time, causing urine leakage.

Reflex Incontinence Symptoms & Treatment

Reflex urinary incontinence can damage an incontinent patient’s life by robbing them of their quality of life. It can cause social isolation, anxiety, depression, and even intimacy issues. Symptoms of reflex incontinence can include:

• Loss of bladder control
• Urinary tract infections (UTI’s)
• Urine leaks without warning or immediate urges
• Sudden/frequent urine leakage

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your physician or urologist to determine the type of incontinence you are experiencing. After performing tests such as imaging and urodynamic studies, your doctor or urologist may suggest a treatment such as: 

• Bladder training
• Medication
• Medical devices
• Catheterization
• Surgery
• Dietary changes
• Exercises
• Fluid management

One particular reflex incontinence treatment you should ask your urologist about is sacral neuromodulation. Similar to a pacemaker for your heart, this implantable device can help with urinary incontinence. About 17% of women and anywhere from 3% to 17% of men can experience incontinence during their lives. This device works by sending low-level electrical impulses to your sacral nerves to help with sensation. While this treatment may not be right for you, it’s an option worth investigating.

Our Best Products for Managing Reflex Incontinence

When to Seek Medical Attention

Reflex incontinence isn’t simple to manage. It may take some trial and error to find the right incontinence products or lifestyle changes to reign in your incontinence. Even the best reflex incontinence management plan will have hiccups, and if you notice them becoming more frequent, consult your urologist before skin issues become problematic. Urine can cause skin irritation and breakdowns, leading to infection. Not good!! Be proactive and control your reflex incontinence!!

References:

• What is reflex incontinence?
• Types of urinary incontinence
• All About Urinary Incontinence
• Difference between Reflex Incontinence and Urge Incontinence
• Definition & Facts for Bladder Control Problems
• Nerve stimulation to treat urinary incontinence

 

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