Therapeutic targets for urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common condition associated with the involuntary loss of urine which can be a social and/or hygienic handicap. Urination involves a complex and balanced action of nerves, muscles of the urinary bladder, the spinal cord and the brain. Disturbances in this balanced action of nerves, muscles and brain can lead to urinary incontinence. The condition increases progressively with age and the potential causes are numerous and tend to vary between different age groups. Several subtypes of urinary incontinence have been reported, involving urgency, frequency, incontinence and nocturia. Many types of urinary incontinence can be effectively treated by relaxing bladder detrusor muscles or by tightening muscles in the urethral sphincter, thereby preventing leakage. In the interest of facilitating access to information on the principal targets for therapeutic intervention in urinary incontinence, this article presents those targets that are currently under active investigation.