Tests for Reflex Incontinence

Reflex incontinence is a disorder of the urinary system that causes the sufferer to remain unaware of the urge to urinate. Urine spontaneously leaks from the bladder due to the loss of sensation and control over bladder contractions. Reflex incontinence may be diagnosed by a family doctor, urologist, or gynecologist.

Types

• Types of tests used to diagnose reflex incontinence, or any bladder problems, include an exam, urinalysis, x-rays or other imaging tests, and specialized procedures such as intravenous pyelogram (IVP) and/or cystoscopy.

Tracking

• The patient may be asked to keep a journal that documents instances of incontinence in order to determine a possible pattern that could be used to set up a urination schedule.

Blockages

• The IVP procedure involves injecting contrast dye into the patient and taking a series of x-rays of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters to check for blockages that could cause reflex incontinence, or for other conditions such as bladder cancer.

Structural Abnormalities

• For a cystoscopy, the urologist inserts a thin tube called a cystoscope into the urethra to exam the structure and identify any abnormalities that could cause reflex incontinence. The doctor might collect tissue samples by taking a biopsy.

Considerations

• If you are scheduled for one of the invasive tests like IVP or cystoscopy, you should tell your doctor if you take any blood-thinning medications or have an allergy to local anesthetics like lidocaine. Typical side effects of the procedures are a painful sensation in the bladder for a few hours, along with some traces of blood in the urine.