Reflex Incontinence 101

1. Reflex Incontinence 101 Reflex Incontinence is similar to urge incontinence or overactive bladder. In order to reach a restroom, you may have to pause and mop up some urine. Reflex incontinence is also brought on by bladder spasms, but it often results in a more dramatic and immediate loss of bladder control. Reflex incontinence affects both sexes and is more common in people with neurological disabilities. Probable Reasons and Contributing Factors The detrusor muscle in your bladder is the muscle responsible for controlling urination, and its failure is the root cause of reflex incontinence. This muscle contracts and squeezes regardless of whether or not the bladder is full, causing the body to release urine. If you have a significant neurological impairment, you may be at risk for developing reflex incontinence. ● ● Trauma to the spinal cord Radiation treatment

2. ● ● Surgical trauma Multiple sclerosis Where It Stands In Relation To Other Forms Of Incontinence Incontinence can be brought on by a variety of factors, each with its own diagnosis and treatment methods. Stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control brought on by physical or emotional stress, such as laughing, sneezing, or coughing. When you experience signs of both stress and reflex incontinence, you are said to have mixed incontinence. Overflow incontinence is a condition in which urination still occurs after a person has gone to the restroom because the bladder did not empty entirely. Sometimes referred to as "after-dribble" in males. Diseases like dementia might cause a person to experience functional incontinence. Illness or handicap that prohibits you from caring about finding a bathroom, leading you to urinate regardless. Reflex incontinence: A Diagnosis Confess with your doctor about your incontinence symptoms. Identifying the specific cause of your incontinence is crucial because there are a variety of treatments available. Your doctor may ask you to keep a urine diary before your visit. For at least a week, keep track of your daily activities, accidents, and fluid consumption to help your doctor make a diagnosis. A thorough physical exam is what your doctor will use to learn about your health, identify any problems, and decide what kind of testing is required. Possible Methods of Treatment How severe your symptoms are and how they are impacting your daily life can determine the best course of treatment. You may receive any combination of the following treatments: Home-based behavioral therapy Bladder training is a behavioral strategy that teaches you to control hyperactive nerve signals and suppress urgent sensations through the use of distraction or deep breathing exercises. That is to say, you have to retrain how to control your bladder and urinate at the right times. Using the "double void" method can ensure that your bladder is entirely emptied. Wait a few minutes after you've finished urinating, and then make another attempt.

3. Restroom Breaks: Regular, pre arranged trips to the restroom may be necessary for you as you retrain your bladder. Unless absolutely necessary, you should hold off on using the restroom. Also, your ability to delay urination will increase as you gradually increase your wait durations. The pelvic floor muscles hold up your reproductive organs and keep you regular. The capacity of your bladder is aided by the power of these muscles, and you'll be better able to avoid accidents by keeping your urine contained. Kegel exercises, often known as pelvic floor exercises, include repetitive contraction of the muscles that support the pelvic floor and help regulate urine. After consistently working out for a few months, muscle performance improves significantly. Products Examples of this are: ● ● Absorbent underwear for adults, including incontinence briefs and pads. Some leakage prevention devices, including patches or plugs, are designed to be put into the vagina or urethra. These might prove very helpful while working out. Catheters entail the insertion of a thin tube into the bladder, which collects the urine in a bag. ● Medication Bladder spasms can be alleviated with the help of drugs like anticholinergics and antimuscarinics, which work by slowing the nervous system's release of dopamine. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as:: ● ● ● ● Oxybutynin (Oxytrol) (Oxytrol) Tolterodine (Detrol) (Detrol) Solifenacin, Trospium, and Darifenacin (Enablex) (Vesicare) Anti-inflammatory beta-3 agonists: Mirabegron (Myrbetriq) is a beta-3 agonist that has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of bladder spasms. Drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants are typically used for the treatment of depression, but they also have the potential to be useful as a bladder muscle relaxant in some patients. Medications like Tofranil (imipramine) and Elavil (amitriptyline) fall into this category (Elavil). Conjugated estrogen (Premarin) cream, which is only for females, can be used topically and rubbed into the vagina or implanted around the vagina to improve pelvic floor muscle strength and urethra muscle tone. Healthcare Equipment Reflex incontinence in women can be helped by a couple of medical devices:

4. A urethral insert, similar to a tampon, is a device used to stop vaginal bleeding. You take it off when you have to go to the bathroom. A pessary is a ringed device used to prevent bladder leaks by applying pressure to the urethra. Additional Choices In some cases, more drastic surgical operations may be required: To alleviate strain on the bladder and enhance urination, your surgeon may recommend a sling. This fabricated sling can either cradle the bladder neck and urethra or lift the bladder neck. Male patients with bladder or urine problems due to sphincter dysfunction may benefit from an artificial sphincter. Conclusion You can learn to control your reflex incontinence, but it may take some time to figure out what works best for you. Find out what treatment choices your doctor recommends. They'll be by your side as you work to figure out what's going to work best. Source