Fowler's Syndrome 

What is Fowler’s Syndrome?

Fowler’s Syndrome is a rare bladder condition that primarily affects young women. It causes the urinary sphincter to fail to relax properly, making it difficult or impossible to empty the bladder voluntarily. Many women with Fowler’s Syndrome rely on intermittent catheterisation or other interventions to manage bladder emptying.

 

Common Symptoms:

 

• Difficulty starting urination or fully emptying the bladder

• Urinary retention (inability to pass urine normally)

• Overflow incontinence (leakage due to bladder overfilling)

• Weak urine stream or straining to urinate

• Often associated with pelvic pain or discomfort

 

Causes & Triggers:

The exact cause of Fowler’s Syndrome is not fully understood, but potential factors include:

 

• Dysfunction of the urethral sphincter muscles

• Abnormal nerve signals affecting bladder control

• Hormonal influences or structural differences in the urinary tract

 

Management & Treatment:

Although there is no universal cure, treatment options focus on managing symptoms:

 

• Clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC): Safely empties the bladder

• Sacral nerve stimulation: A device that helps regulate bladder and sphincter function

• Medications: Rarely used, but may help with associated symptoms

• Lifestyle strategies: Fluid management and careful monitoring of bladder volume