Neural and Endocrine Factors Contribute to the Comorbidity of Urinary and Sexual Dysfunctions

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this study is to determine whether neural and/or endocrine factors are related to urinary and sexual disease comorbidity.Recent FindingsCommon neural circuitries at cerebral, spinal, and peripheral levels participate in the control of urogenital organs. The convergence and crosstalk of pelvic organ information in the central nervous system may underlie comorbidity of urinary-sexual dysfunctions, and also subserve the success of genital and tibial nerve stimulation therapies to treat overactive bladder. Nonetheless, the relevance of gonadal hormones to the pathophysiology of urinary-sexual functions is still controversial.SummaryThe etiology of urinary dysfunctions is usually considered to be at the periphery. However, spinal and supraspinal sites controlling urogenital organs deteriorate with age and can be another factor for urogenital dysfunctions. In addition, although it is well recognized that urinary incontinence has a negative impact on sexual functions, there is no research investigating the impact of sexual function/dysfunction on the urinary organs.
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research