RESEARCH ARTICLE


Ischemic Etiology of Incontinence in Women: A Theory and A Review



Bilal Chughtai1, Anita Mannikarottu1, 2, Robert M Levin1, 2, 3, *, Paul Chichester2, 3, Catherine Schuler2, 3, Robert E Leggett2, Elise De1
1 Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
2 Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany, NY, USA
3 Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA


Article Metrics

CrossRef Citations:
3
Total Statistics:

Full-Text HTML Views: 4685
Abstract HTML Views: 2587
PDF Downloads: 786
ePub Downloads: 634
Total Views/Downloads: 8692
Unique Statistics:

Full-Text HTML Views: 1714
Abstract HTML Views: 1427
PDF Downloads: 548
ePub Downloads: 467
Total Views/Downloads: 4156



Creative Commons License
2008 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.

* Albany College of Pharmacy,106 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA; Tel: 518-445-7306;Fax: 518-445-7248; E-mail:levinr@acp.edu


Abstract

Incontinence in women is a major health problem. In a recent study, incontinence affects more than 10 million Americans, 85% of whom are women. Incontinence can result in an extremely altered life style, and is the main reason that women are admitted to nursing homes. Care for the incontinent patient represents an enormous expense nationally.

The emphasis of this review is on the relevance of estrogen-dependent ischemia to urethral smooth muscle tone and tonic α-adrenergic tension in the maintenance of continence in women. Additionally, the role of ischemia in bladder dysfunction will be explored. In general, the relative contribution of smooth muscle tension is greater in females than in males. It is clear from both animal and human data that during bladder filling there is a progressive increase in sympathetic stimulation of the urethra resulting in increased α-adrenergic tension.