Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
09:49
Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation
Published on: August 13, 2015
Urethral sensitivity in incontinent women
1Department of Surgical Science, Division of Urology, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. annecharlotte@kinn.se
European Urology
|June 22, 2005
Summary
Urethral hypersensitivity is not linked to frequent voiding or urge incontinence. Current perception threshold (CPT) testing is a reliable method for assessing urethral sensibility but did not support this association in women.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Frequent voiding and urge incontinence are common lower urinary tract symptoms.
- The role of urethral sensory function, specifically hypersensitivity, in these conditions remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between urethral hypersensitivity and frequent voiding or urge incontinence.
- To evaluate the utility of current perception threshold (CPT) testing in assessing urethral sensibility.
Main Methods:
- Current perception thresholds (CPT) were measured at various frequencies (1, 3, 20, 100 Hz) in 61 women.
- Electrical stimulation was applied via a urethral catheter, with the threshold defined as the first tingling sensation.
- CPT analysis was performed alongside cystometry.
Main Results:
- CPTs increased with lower stimulus frequencies and were higher in older patients.
- Urethral sensitivity, as measured by CPT, was consistent over two months.
- No significant differences in sensitivity were found between women with stress, urge, or mixed incontinence, nor was CPT related to bladder filling sensation.
Conclusions:
- Current perception threshold (CPT) measurement is a simple and reproducible method for assessing urethral sensibility.
- The study's findings do not support the hypothesis that urethral hypersensitivity contributes to increased voiding frequency or urge incontinence.
Related Concept Videos
01:26The Micturition Reflex
Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
01:16Urethra
The urethra is a hollowed tubular organ through which urine is expelled from the body. This structure extends from the bladder to the external opening, allowing urine to be released.
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male urethra is...
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male urethra is...
01:19Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
The lower urinary system consists of the urinary bladder and urethra, which are essential in storing and expelling urine from the body. Together with the internal and external sphincters, these structures work together to regulate urination effectively.Anatomy of the BladderThe urinary bladder is a muscular, stretchable organ behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. In females, the bladder is positioned anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus, while in males, it is located...
01:26Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
01:26Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test
A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...
01:28Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...