Urinary Incontinence Symptoms Research Articles

Clinical Study of Carbon Dioxide Laser and Pelvic Floor Function Exercise for Urinary Incontinence Complicated by Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

Urinary incontinence is common in patients with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyse the clinical efficacy of carbon dioxide laser combined with pelvic floor functional exercise for GSM with urinary incontinence, aiming to provide evidence for its clinical treatment. Patients diagnosed with GSM and urinary incontinence and admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were included and allocated to a control group (pelvic floor function exercise) and combined group (carbon dioxide laser combined with pelvic floor function exercise). Confounding factors among the groups were balanced by the propensity score matching method. The clinical efficacy, GSM scale scores, urinary indicators, urinary incontinence quality of life scale (I-QOL) scores and the degree of urinary incontinence of the groups were compared. A total of 192 patients were included in this study, and 36 cases were included in each group after the propensity scores were matched. No statistical difference in baseline data was found between the groups (p > 0.05). The combined group had higher total effective rate and I-QOL scores but lower GSM symptom scale scores than the control group. Urination during daytime and nighttime was less frequent in the combined group than in the control group, which showed a lower degree of urinary incontinence (p < 0.05). Combining carbon dioxide laser treatment with pelvic floor exercises is potentially effective for patients with GSM and urinary incontinence. This combined approach not only alleviated GSM and urinary incontinence symptoms but also reduced the severity of urinary incontinence, promoted bladder function recovery and enhanced overall quality of life.

De novo urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms after colpocleisis: A single-center prospective study

BackgroundColpocleisis is one of traditional surgical procedures for elderly and frail women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse. The occurrence of de novo urinary incontinence following colpocleisis was considered to impair the postoperative quality of life. The incidence of de novo urinary incontinence after colpocleisis has been reported to be ranging from 6.6 % to 27 %. There was an absence of prospective large-sample study to investigate the accurate incidence of de novo urinary incontinence following colpocleisis and the impact on the quality of life till now. Purposes The primary objective was to report the incidence of de novo urinary incontinence after colpocleisis. The second objectives were to evaluate the long-term quality of life in patients with de novo urinary incontinence, and to conduct detailed pre- and post-operative evaluations of lower urinary tract symptoms. MethodsThis prospective study included 253 patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who underwent colpocleisis between 2009 and 2021. De novo urinary incontinence was defined as the occurrence of urinary incontinence 3 months postoperatively. All patients were required to complete the Urinary Distress Inventory questionnaire and the Urinary Impact Questionnaire for the evaluation of patients' quality of life, and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire for the evaluation of patients’ satisfaction. Results245 patients (245/253, 96·8 %) completed the 3-month follow-up, and were included in the final analysis. The incidence of de novo urinary incontinence was 5.4 % (10/185). There was no significant difference in the Urinary Distress Inventory −6 scores (22.50 vs. 10.30, P = 0.276) or the subjective satisfaction rate (100 % vs. 98.9 %, P = 0.250) between the patients with or without de novo urinary incontinence at the long-term follow-up. The incidence of voiding difficulty was significantly reduced after colpocleisis (27.8 % vs. 0.0 %, P < 0.001). The patients’ quality of life indicated by Urinary Distress Inventory-6 and Urinary Impact Questionnaire-7 scores were significantly improved postoperatively (26.27 vs. 13.39, and 19.13 vs. 6.05, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe incidence of de novo urinary incontinence after colpocleisis was very low. Patients’ quality of life, and low urinary tract symptoms were significantly improved after colpocleisis.

Childbirth Acquired Perineal Trauma study (CHAPTER): a UK prospective cohort study protocol

IntroductionChildbirth-related perineal trauma (CRPT) is the most common complication of childbirth affecting 80% of women overall after vaginal birth. There remains a lack of comprehensive evidence relating to the prevalence...

Patterns of sedentary behavior among older women with urinary incontinence and urinary symptoms: a scoping review

BackgroundIndependent of physical activity, sedentary behavior has emerged as a significant risk factor for health. Particularly, older adults spent as high as 13 h daily on sedentary activities, which account for 98% of their awake times. Although there is growing evidence revealing the potential association between sedentary behavior and urinary incontinence (UI) across populations of different ages, the relationship between sedentary behavior and urinary symptoms in older women, who are twice as likely to have UI than older men, has not been reviewed. This scoping review aimed to synthesize available evidence of the relationship between sedentary behavior and urinary symptoms in noninstitutionalized older women.MethodsSix electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Ovid Nursing Database, EMBASE, and MEDLINE) were searched from their inception to April 2023. Observational and experimental studies that measured sedentary behavior using objective and/or self-reported methods in older women aged 60 + years having any type of UI, with English full texts available, were included. Relevant data, including sedentary patterns (types, definitions, measurements, and daily patterns) and UI types were tabulated. A narrative synthesis of the findings was also conducted.ResultsA total of seven studies (n = 1,822) were included for review and reporting. Objective measurement showed that older women with UI were engaged in > 8 h sedentary activities daily (493.3–509.4 min/day), which accounted for 73% of their awake times. The duration of self-reported sedentary behavior was lower than the time measured objectively, and the average weekday sitting time was 300–380 min/day. With or without adjustment for confounding factors (e.g., age and number of vaginal deliveries), the daily proportion of sedentary time and average duration of sedentary bouts were positively associated with the prevalence of urgency UI. Notably, sedentary patients with UI were more likely to have lower urinary tract symptoms, including bothersome incontinence, to use incontinence products, and to have nocturia episodes, than their age-matched counterparts who were less sedentary.ConclusionOur findings suggest a potential relationship between sedentary behavior and UI in older women, but the causality of the relationship remains unclear. To further inform the clinical role of sedentary behavior in the context of UI, a greater number of rigorous studies with a prospective study design is urgently needed.

Changes in Stress Urinary Incontinence Symptoms after Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery: a Nationwide Cohort Study (FINPOP)

Introduction and hypothesisVarious strategies are employed to manage stress urinary incontinence (SUI) during pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. This study was aimed at facilitating shared decision-making by evaluating SUI symptom changes, staged SUI procedures, and their prognostic factors following POP surgery without concomitant SUI intervention.MethodsWe analyzed 2,677 POP surgeries from a population-based observational cohort, excluding patients with prior SUI surgery. The outcome measures were subjective SUI utilizing the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 questionnaire and number of subsequent SUI procedures. Multivariable linear models were applied to identify predictors of persistent SUI, procedures for persistent SUI, and de novo SUI. The primary assessment occurred at the 2-year follow-up.ResultsAt baseline, 50% (1,329 out of 2,677) experienced SUI; 35% (354 out of 1,005) resolved, an additional 14% (140 out 1,005) improved, and 5.1% (67 out of 1,308) underwent a procedure for persistent SUI. De novo SUI symptoms developed in 20% (218 out of 1,087), with 3.2% (35 out of 1,087) reporting bothersome symptoms; 0.8% (11 out of 1,347) underwent a procedure for de novo SUI. High baseline symptom severity increased the risk of persistent SUI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65–2.53), whereas advanced preoperative apical prolapse decreased the risk (aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85–0.93). De novo SUI was more common with advancing age (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05), baseline urgency urinary incontinence (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06–1.38), and after transvaginal mesh surgery (aOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.24–3.00). It was not dependent on the compartment or preoperative degree of prolapse.ConclusionsIn a pragmatic setting, POP surgery results in a low rate of subsequent SUI procedures.

MANAGEMENT OF SHAYYAMUTRA (ENURESIS) IN CHILDREN THROUGH AYURVEDA: A CASE STUDY

This case describes a 9-year-old female child with Shayyamutra. The result was achieved through the Ayurveda treatment approach, including Medhya Rasayana Churna, Brahmi Ghrita, Matra Basti and Nasya. Aim &amp; Objective: To access the efficacy of Ayurvedic line of treatment in the management of Shayyamutra. Method: Matrabasti and Nasya were given with oral Ayurvedic medicines. Symptoms were recorded before and after treatment. Result: Patient relief from the symptoms of Enuresis after the eight weeks of treatment.

An assessment of the relationship between urethral hypermobility as measured by ultrasound and the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in primiparous women 9-18 months postpartum.

The aim of the study was to estimate the relationship between bladder neck hypermobility as assessed by ultrasound and the occurrence of stress urinary incontinence as measured with the UDI-6 questionnaire in primiparous women 9-18 months postpartum. The study included 100 women 9-18 months after their first delivery, 19% of whom (study group) presented with urethral hypermobility. Ultrasound was used to determine the position and mobility of the bladder neck in order to assess the urethral hypermobility. A vector of ≥15 mm was defined as urethral hypermobility. Symptoms of stress urinary incontinence were assessed using question 3 of the UDI-6 questionnaire, in which the presence of symptoms was defined as a response rated from 1 to 4. We demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between urethral hypermobility and the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence with a statistical significance level of p <0.002. Stress urinary incontinence is a common disorder in women, the pathophysiology of which is not fully understood. It has adverse effects on the quality of life, perception of one's own body and sexual function. Impairment of urethral fixation may play an important role in the pathophysiology of this common form of urinary incontinence. The study showed that urethral hypermobility, as assessed by ultrasound, contributes to stress urinary incontinence, as measured with the UDI-6 score. Although stress urinary incontinence is a multifactorial disorder influenced by anatomical changes and congenital anatomical features, it is easily diagnosed. Suburethral slings are an effective surgical technique; however, the incidence of postoperative voiding dysfunction or recurrent stress urinary incontinence is 10-20%. Therefore, an assessment of anatomical changes in stress urinary incontinence may help individualize the surgical strategy.

Is Stress Urinary Incontinence Symptom Determined by the Severity of Anterior Compartment Prolapse?

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) would develop simultaneously because of the same etiopathogenesis of pelvic floor weakness. Some studies have said the association between SUI symptoms may be determined by the degree of anterior compartment prolapse. Then some incidences of occult SUI could also mask the symptom of SUI in the severe stage of POP. Methods: A total of 32 women diagnosed with POP and SUI from the urogynecology clinic were included in a cross-sectional study between 2019 and 2020. The degree of anterior compartment prolapse was measured using the POP-Q system (Ba point), while SUI's severity was measured using a 1- hour pad test in grams. The correlation between the severity of SUI (with the occurrence of occult SUI) and the anterior compartment prolapse was analyzed. Results: No correlation was observed between the degree of anterior compartment prolapse and SUI degree (r = 0.240, p = 0.182). Occult SUI was found in only 5/24 (20.8%) grade III and IV anterior compartment prolapse cases. Conclusion: SUI symptom was not determined by the severity of anterior compartment prolapse. The prevalence of occult SUI in severe POP was also low.

Pelvic floor dysfunction after intervention, compared with expectant management, in prolonged second stage of labour: A population-based questionnaire and cohort study.

To investigate the effect of vacuum extraction (VE) or caesarean section (CS), compared with expectant management, on pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) 1-2 years postpartum in primiparous women with a prolonged second stage of labour. A population-based questionnaire and cohort study. Stockholm, Sweden. A cohort of 1302 primiparous women with a second stage duration of ≥3 h, delivering from December 2017 to November 2018. The 1-year follow-up questionnaire from the Swedish National Perineal Laceration Register was distributed 12-24 months postpartum. Exposure was VE or CS at 3-4 h or 4-5 h, compared with expectant management. Pelvic floor dysfunction was defined as at least weekly symptoms of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse or a Wexner score of ≥4. The risk of PFD was calculated using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, presented as crude and adjusted relative risks (RRs and aRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The implication of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) on pelvic floor disorders was investigated through mediation analysis. In total, 35.1% of women reported PFD. Compared with expectant management, the risk of PFD was increased after VE at 3-4 h (aRR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.65) and 4-5 h (aRR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.70), but remained unchanged after CS. The increased risk after VE was not mediated by OASI. Pelvic floor dysfunction was common in primiparous women after a prolonged second stage, and the risk of PFD increased after VE but was unaffected by CS, compared with expectant management. If a spontaneous vaginal delivery eventually occurred, allowing an extended duration of labour did not increase the risk of PFD.

Care needs and self-induced measures of women with postpartum pelvic floor disorder- Results of a social media-based survey of 2930 women

IntroductionPelvic floor disorders (PFD) occur in about 40% of women after delivery. Less is known about the intervention and care needs of women with postpartum PFD. The aim of this analysis was to analyze care needs and self-initiated measures to strengthen the pelvic floor in postpartum women in relation to incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, influencing factors for self-initiated measures were evaluated.Patients and methodsAn anonymous online survey (via LimeSurvey) was conducted between September and October 2022 and distributed via social media (Instagram and Facebook). The survey explicitly addressed mothers with and without pelvic floor disorders up to 5 years postpartum (inclusion criteria). Validated instruments were employed to assess incontinence (ICIQ-SF) and sexual functioning (PISQ-IR: Condition Impact). The questions on the use of services and preventive measures, as well as on the interaction with a gynecologist, were based on self-developed items.ResultsIn total, 49.4% of the participants of the survey showed symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI). Furthermore, only 40.3% (n = 241) of women were actively asked by their gynecologists for the occurrence of UI or PFD among those who suffered from PFD. Overall, 79.3% of the participants of the survey with UI underwent measures to deal with the complaints. The ICIQ-SF Score was significantly associated with all self-induced measures. High School diplomas and academic degrees were associated with the use of love balls (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results of the study show the unmet needs of postpartum women. PFD should be addressed more frequently in the outpatient setting. Furthermore, more systematic information about the treatment of PFD could help to address unmet information needs and improve interventions.

Role of Uttarabasti in Neurogenic Urinary Incontinence

Neurogenic bladder refers to dysfunction of the urinary bladder arising from internal or external trauma, disease, or injury of the central, autonomic or somatic nervous system in the control of micturition. Depending on the nerves involved and the nature of the damage, bladder becomes either overactive or underactive and this usually presents clinically as urinary incontinence or retention of urine. Urinary Incontinence (UI) is a hygienic problem and is one of the troublesome, important cause of morbidity and impairment of quality of life, in both men and women. It may lead to recurrent UTI and ascending infections which affect the functioning of kidney. Deranged function of Vatadosha especially Apanavata along with Pranavata and Vyanavata are the main culprits of neurogenic bladder. Vitiated Doshas cause Mootravahasrotodushti and Atipravritti of mootra. This case study discusses the effect of Mootramarga uttarabasti in reducing the signs and symptoms of neurogenic urinary incontinence and thereby improving the quality of life. A 66 year old male patient was admitted with weakness in left upper and lower limbs, slurred speech, and difficulty in controlling micturition since 5 months. He was a diagnosed case of stroke on the basis of a brain computed tomography scan. During the course of management, Uttarabasti was administered for 8 days with Dhanwantarataila and Balamoolakashaya alternatively. The intervention resulted in reducing the symptoms of neurogenic urinary incontinence as evidenced by the reduction in ICIQ-UI -SF score. It was observed that the overall impact of the disease was reduced and quality of life improved with the help of King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ).

Management of stress urinary incontinence associated with perimenopause

Pelvic health physiotherapy is recommended as first-line treatment for those with lower urinary tract symptoms and pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic health physiotherapists treat a number of genitourinary conditions conservatively, including stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal atrophy. When physiotherapy management alone does not fully resolve symptoms, medication may be required. Independent prescribing enables the physiotherapist to maintain continuity of care, allowing a smoother, more effective patient journey. This offers quicker access to medicines and helps avoid delays in commencing appropriate treatment, reducing waiting times across other services. In this article, the role of the pelvic health physiotherapy independent prescriber is detailed in a case study of a patient referred with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence associated with impaired pelvic floor function and episodic constipation, in addition to perimenopausal vaginal dryness causing dyspareunia.

An afebrile neuroleptic malignant syndrome with hyponatremia: A case report.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, life-threatening situation in response to the adverse reaction of antipsychotic medications characterized by high-grade fever, altered Glasgow coma scale, autonomic dysfunction, and stiffness. We herein present a case with a typical presentation of stiffness and autonomic dysregulations along with the atypical symptoms of urinary incontinence and a history of falls. The patient was afebrile with hyponatremia, showing a similar presentation diagnosed as NMS and treated successfully according to the hospital protocol.

The effect of using mobile phone applications for intelligent pelvic floor rehabilitation on elderly female patients with stress urinary incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence is prevalent among women and the incidence increases with age. To explore the effect of intelligent pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation on elderly female patients with incontinence. A total of 209 patients with urinary incontinence who were treated with pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation at Peking University International Hospital from September 2020 to January 2022 were selected by convenient sampling. All subjects were divided into the 50-60 year old patient group (n= 51) and over 60 years old patient group according to age (n= 158). The subjects of different age group were divided into an experimental group and a control group. The patients in the control group received routine nursing and health education, and the patients in the observation group received a combination of mobile application use and smart dumbbells. Based on this, we constructed an intervention model for intelligent, continuous pelvic floor rehabilitation. After 7 and 12 weeks, pelvic floor muscle function knowledge and exercise compliance in the two groups were evaluated. The improvement of urinary incontinence symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength grades and quality-of-life scales were evaluated. The results showed that pelvic floor knowledge and exercise compliance in the experimental group were better than in the control group at 7 and 12 weeks after intervention (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference in pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life between the two groups at 7 weeks after intervention (P> 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life between the two groups at 12 weeks after intervention (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference between different age groups. The intelligent pelvic floor rehabilitation model that combines a mobile application with smart dumbbells can maintain and strengthen the clinical treatment effect for elderly patients with urinary incontinence.

Examining workplace behaviors in adult women with urinary incontinence: A pilot study.

Urinary incontinence is a growing issue among adult women globally. Limited data exist examining the impact of occupational, environmental, and behavioral factors on urinary incontinence. This quantitative, cross-sectional pilot study examined the workplace behaviors of adult women experiencing urinary incontinence. It was hypothesized that specific jobs and work environments would be associated with increased urinary incontinence and urgency based on identified behaviors and work-related conditions. This study is a quantitative, cross-sectional survey. Adult women (18 years and older) with a history of urinary incontinence were recruited from August 2022 to February 2023 to complete a one-time survey consisting of multiple-choice and short answer questions identifying specific workplace behaviors and symptoms of urinary incontinence. Descriptive statistics and data categorization were used to observe outcomes and examine relationships between urinary incontinence and particular professions. Urinary incontinence and urgency-related symptoms affected healthcare and business professionals at a higher prevalence. The most commonly reported behaviors across all professions consisted of withholding urine and utilizing absorbance products. The results of this study will help guide women's health practitioners in exploring current workplace behaviors that may contribute to urinary incontinence in adult women. With this knowledge, practitioners can provide meaningful education to employers and employees to prioritize toileting behaviors in the workplace.

Postpartum Pelvic floor disorder in Primiparous women - A prospective observational study

ABSTRACT Purpose: Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) describes clinical conditions related to changes in the pelvic floor causing voiding and defecation problems, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. The postpartum period being associated with the onset or aggravation of PFD gives us an opportunity for identification and intervention. The evidence implicating vaginal delivery as a cause of PFD is controversial. This study will increase the understanding of the effect of vaginal birth on PFD, especially in the South Asian population. Methodology: A prospective observational study using pelvic floor disability index (PFDI 20) questionnaire (Hindi Version) was conducted. Two hundred primiparous women with term singleton fetuses who were admitted for planned delivery at term were enrolled and PFDI 20 questionnaire was filled. These women were followed till delivery and divided into two groups normal vaginal delivery (NVD) and LSCS. Enrolled women were followed up at 3 months postpartum and assessed using the PFDI 20 questionnaire. Results: Most common PFD symptom was POP in both groups followed by fecal incontinence and urinary incontinence symptoms. The percentage prevalence of any PFD symptoms was more in LSCS 67% as compared to 63% in the NVD group. The women with body mass index &gt;28, prolonged labor &gt;18 h, and instrumental delivery women with birth weight &gt;3 kg had a higher prevalence of any PFD symptoms at 3 months postpartum irrespective of mode of delivery. Conclusion: Vaginal delivery should always remain as the first and best choice for delivery.

Mobile app for pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: clinical trial.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of home-based pelvic floor muscle training in women with urinary incontinence, addressing the difficulties arising from social isolation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic by utilizing a specialized mobile app. This randomized, single-group clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training guided by a mobile app (Diario Saúde) in women with stress urinary incontinence. Participants were instructed via telephone to engage in pelvic floor muscle training exercises twice a day for 30 days. Pre- and post-treatment, participants completed validated questionnaires regarding urinary symptoms and quality of life through telephone interviews. Additionally, treatment adherence was evaluated. A total of 156 women were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 49.3±14.2 years. Significant improvements in urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life were observed following pelvic floor muscle training guided by the mobile app (p<0.001). Notably, 74.3% of the participants reported performing the exercises with appropriate frequency. Of the participants, 62% reported either complete or substantial improvement in urinary symptoms post-treatment. This study revealed notable enhancements in stress urinary incontinence, urinary storage, and overall quality of life subsequent to pelvic floor muscle training guided by a mobile app, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The mobile app demonstrated robust acceptance and adherence among women experiencing urinary incontinence.

Безопасность субуретральной петлевой пластики трансобтураторным доступом у пациенток младше 45 лет

Introduction. Symptoms of stress urinary incontinence develop with age in every third woman. To date, suburethral sling surgery is the «gold standard» treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Sling operation is possible by various approaches, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is believed that transobturator access is combined with the risks of damage of the obturator vessels, tendons of the adductor muscles of the thigh, branches of the genital and anterior labial nerves. In connection with the above, most authors do not recommend the transobturator access for younger patients. The purpose of the study. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of suburethral sling surgery by transobturator access in patients under 45 years of age suffering from stress and mixed forms of urinary incontinence. Materials and methods. A single-center, retrospective observational study was conducted. The anamnestic data of the patients, efficacy (according to the examination in the chair, questionnaires ICIQ-SF, IIQ-7) and safety (the presence of erosions of the synthetic prosthesis, dyspareunia and chronic pain by examination, survey and questionnaires VAS, ODI) were evaluated. The analysis of the obtained data was carried out using the Microsoft Excel data array processing program. Results. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 61 patients participated in the study. The subjective effectiveness of the operation was 98.3%, the objective effectiveness was 95%. No erosion of the synthetic prosthetic device was observed in any patient. Chronic pain persisting for more than 1 month was noted in 1 patient (1.7%). Complaints of dyspareunia were also noted in only 1 patient (1.7%). Conclusion. The obtained results indicate the high efficiency and safety of transobturator access, and allow us to conclude that the use of transobturator access as a technique for primary implantation of a suburethral sling in young patients is justified.

Pelvic floor reconstruction-update 2024: prolapse-associated symptoms and their treatment

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and associated symptoms of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, obstructive micturition, defecation, and pain are frequent and awidespread disease with relevant reduction of quality of life and high costs. New insights into functional anatomy and pathophysiology of these pelvic floor dysfunctions let us recognize how ligamentous laxities/defects lead to these dysfunctions. Results of the PROpel study (ClinicalTrials.gov-Identifier: NCT00638235) are shown in which adetailed observation of symptoms (patient-related outcome measures) pre- and postoperatively was performed. Ligamentous vaginal repair of POP enables symptom cure in high percentages for urinary urge incontinence (up to 82%), nocturia (up to 92%), obstructive micturition (up to 87%), fecal incontinence (58-72%), obstructive defecation (71-84%), and pain (53-90%), if caused by POP. Women with POP‑Q stage2 have similar symptom frequencies as women with POP‑Q stage3-4, and also similar cure rates of their symptoms. If good anatomical prolapse repair (in responders) was achieved, the cure rates for obstructive micturition, urinary urgency incontinence, and nocturia were significantly higher than in those women with less effective surgical repair. In the future, pelvic floor surgery should have symptom cure as the primary objective and should lead to improved quality of life. The different, currently performed techniques for POP repair have to be investigated concerning this matter.

The brain, gut, and bladder health nexus: A conceptual model linking stress and mental health disorders to overactive bladder in women.

A small, but growing literature links stressors and mental health disorders (MHDs) across the life course to overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinencesymptoms. Mechanisms by which stressors and MHDs may impact bladder health are not fully understood, limiting novel prevention and treatment efforts. Moreover, potential biopsychosocial mechanisms involving the brain and gut have not been considered in an integrated, comprehensive fashion. Members of the prevention of lower urinary tract symptomsResearch Consortium developed conceptual models to inform research on biopsychosocial mechanisms through which stress and MDHs may impact bladder health among girls and women, focusing on brain and gut physiology. Two conceptual models were developed-one to explain central (brain-based) and peripheral (gut-based) mechanisms linking stressors and MHDs to OAB and bladder health, and one to highlight bidirectional communication between the brain, gut, and bladder. Traumatic events, chronic stressors, and MHDs may lead to a maladaptive stress response, including dysregulated communication and signaling between the brain, gut, and bladder. Gut bacteria produce molecules and metabolites that alter production of neurotransmitters, amino acids, short-chain fatty acids, and inflammatory immune response molecules that mediate communication between the gut and brain. Microbiota signal neurogenesis, microglia maturation, and synaptic pruning; they also calibrate brain-gut-bladder axis communication through neurotransmission and synaptogenesis, potentially influencing bladder symptom development. Life course trajectories of risk may be prevented or interrupted by central and peripheral resources for neuropsychological resilience. Depicted pathways, including brain-gut-bladder communication, have implications for research and development of novel prevention and treatment approaches.