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Review
. 2024 May;51(2):239-251.
doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2024.02.001. Epub 2024 Mar 8.

An Overview of the Effect of Aging on the Female Urethra

Andrew S Afyouni  1 , Yi Xi Wu  1 , Ulysses G J Balis  2 , John DeLancey  3 , Zhina Sadeghi  4
Affiliations
Review

An Overview of the Effect of Aging on the Female Urethra

Andrew S Afyouni et al. Urol Clin North Am. 2024 May.

Abstract

Urethral function declines by roughly 15% per decade and profoundly contributes to the pathogenesis of urinary incontinence. Individuals with poor urethral function are more likely to fail surgical management for stress incontinence that focus on improving urethral support. The reduced number of intramuscular nerves and the morphologic changes in muscle and connective tissue collectively impact urethral function as women age. Imaging technologies like MRI and ultrasound have advanced our understanding of these changes. However, substantial knowledge gaps remain. Addressing these gaps can be crucial for developing better prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for aging women.

Keywords: Female urethral aging; Urethral imaging; Urethral striated muscle; Urinary incontinence.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors declare no conflict of interest. This study was supported by departmental funding provided to Dr Z. Sadeghi, by the Department of Urology at the University of California, United States, Irvine. Dr J. DeLancey and Dr U.G.J. Balis had their effort supported by RC2DK122379, and NIH, United States.NIAMS, United StatesR01NS120060 grant.