The autonomic nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system that functions to regulate many basic processes in various organs needed for the maintenance of normal bodily functions. Note that these functions include bladder contraction and bladder relaxation. The autonomic nervous system operates independently of voluntary control; however, certain events such as emotional stress, fear and sexual excitement can modulate the level of autonomic activity.

The autonomic system consists of two major divisions, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, which often function in antagonistic ways. Their effects are mediated by well-known molecular signaling pathways and neurotransmitters such as adrenaline (sympathetic) and acetylcholine (parasympathetic). Heat may affect the sympathetic or parasympathetic system, depending on the site, intensity, and duration of exposure.

Autonomic nervous system dysfunction, particularly increased sympathetic nervous activity at the bladder neck, is associated with both benign prostatic hyperplasia and Shy Bladder Syndrome. Traditionally, bladder neuromodulation has been limited to invasive stimulation of S3 spinal nerves for the treatment of urinary retention disorders in patients with spinal cord injuries. ThermaRx products use the transient, neuromodulatory effects of comfortable skin heating to cause relaxation of muscle cells in the bladder neck, urinary sphincter, and pelvic floor. The effect of heating can be described as “anti-sympathetic”, meaning it reduces the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. For more information, please visit the FlowPants website.