title: The lower urinary tract in women--effect of aging and menopause on continence.
abstract: This review paper briefly describes the physiology of the lower urinary tract in women, with emphasis on the bladder-filling phase and the factors that effect urinary continence and incontinence. Attention is placed on the effects of aging and menopause. While most factors influencing the bladder-filling phase are thought to be affected by aging and menopause, the exact correlation and mechanism are not yet known. Clinical data and recent meta-analysis seem to support the theory that estrogen supplementation may have a role in managing urinary incontinence in post-menopausal women. Without due understanding of the aging process effect on the function of the lower urinary tract, therapeutic trials will remain poorly focused.
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Virginia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecolog, Richmond 23298-0034.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Fantl
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens