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Does Estrogen Have Any Real Effect on Voiding Dysfunction in Women?

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Abstract

For many years, estrogen has been used to treat lower urinary tract dysfunction in postmenopausal women. The data supporting this practice vary. Large multi-institutional studies have shown little role for systemic estrogens in the treatment of urinary incontinence. Vaginal estrogen preparations show superiority to systemic estrogens for the treatment of irritative voiding symptoms in meta-analysis, but there is significant study heterogeneity and the practice remains debatable. Data from randomized controlled trials support estrogen use in the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections. This article reviews the relevant literature addressing the role of estrogen therapy in urinary incontinence, irritative voiding symptoms, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Disclosures

M. Koski: none. Dr. Christopher J. Chermansky has served as a consultant for, and has received payment for the development of educational presentations from, Astellas Pharma.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, 1542 Tulane Avenue, Room 547, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA

    Michelle E. Koski & Christopher J. Chermansky

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  1. Michelle E. Koski
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  2. Christopher J. Chermansky
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Correspondence to Christopher J. Chermansky.

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Koski, M.E., Chermansky, C.J. Does Estrogen Have Any Real Effect on Voiding Dysfunction in Women?. Curr Urol Rep 12, 345–350 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-011-0208-y

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