Fowler’s syndrome

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Disease Overview

Fowler’s syndrome mainly affects young women and leads to the inability to empty the bladder (urinary retention). Many women have no other symptoms, although some women experience stomach pain. Fowler’s syndrome is caused by spasms of the external urethral sphincter, a band of muscle that opens and closes at the exit of the bladder. The cause is unknown, but it has been known to occur after a surgical procedure, childbirth, opiate use, or other medical condition. Fowler’s syndrome is difficult to diagnose, but many women with Fowler’s syndrome have abnormal electrical activity on a specialized test called concentric needle electromyography. Fowler’s syndrome is most often treated by using a device placed inside the body that helps stimulate the bladder.[15792][15795][15796]  


Synonyms

  • Voiding dysfunction and polycystic ovaries
  • Polycystic ovaries urethral sphincter dysfunction
  • Fowler Christmas Chapple syndrome

For more information, visit GARD.

National Organization for Rare Disorders