Pelvic organ prolapse and the lower urinary tract: the relationship of vaginal prolapse to stress urinary incontinence.
Vaginal prolapse and urinary incontinence frequently coexist. Rather than having a cause-and-effect relationship, these two common problems share etiologic factors. Specific tissue and functional deficiencies resulting in prolapse also are significant contributors to lower urinary tract symptoms, particularly stress urinary incontinence. This article reviews this relationship, the etiologic factors, and aspects of the clinical evaluation of the patient with prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
Smith
Phillip P
PP
Scott Department of Urology, Scurlock 2100, 6560 Fannin Avenue, Houston TX 77030, USA. ppsmith@bcm.tmc.edu
Appell
Rodney A
RA
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014521:Urethra / Q000503:physiopathology; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014563:Urodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology