PD Dr. med. Corina ChristmannGynecology

Cycle-dependent urinary incontinence in women without spinal cord injury – a prospective cohort study

Duration : 24 months. Funding : CHF 19’900

Urinary incontinence (HI) is a common problem in younger patients, especially after childbirth. Incontinence has a significant impact on the quality of life and is still little discussed in this age group. Nevertheless, the influence of female sex hormones on the lower female urinary tract has not been well studied so far.

The aim of this prospective cohort study is to investigate the covariation of the course of the menstrual cycle and the occurrence of urinary incontinence in premenopausal women who have regular menstrual cycles.

The primary endpoint is the investigation of the association between the menstrual cycle and incontinence episodes.

A secondary endpoint will be the comparison of these results with those of women with spinal cord injury, as a similar study is being conducted at the Swiss Paraplegic Center in Nottwil.

This study is a primary, single-center, prospective cohort study conducted in close collaboration with the research team of the Paraplegic Center Nottwil.

The 50 women to be included will be asked to complete a cycle calendar for three months and use LH urine test strips to detect the LH peaks.

If a link were found between hormonal fluctuations and incontinence, it could lead to personalized treatments or prevention of incontinence during critical periods of the menstrual cycle.