Which statement about postmenopausal estrogen and continence is true?

Which statement about postmenopausal estrogen and continence is true?

• A. Systemic estrogen is routinely used to treat UI
• B. Local estrogen has no effect on urethral mucosa
• C. Local estrogen may improve urethral mucosa
• D. Estrogen cures UI

Answer: (C)

Local estrogen applied to the vaginal and periurethral tissues can improve the health of the urethral mucosa by thickening its lining and increasing vascularity. This helps restore urethral tissue integrity and coaptation, which can modestly improve continence in women who have atrophy from menopause. Systemic estrogen is not routinely used to treat urinary incontinence because evidence for a benefit is inconsistent and there are systemic risks; estrogen does not cure UI. So the statement that local estrogen may improve urethral mucosa is the true, evidence-based point here.

Local estrogen applied to the vaginal and periurethral tissues can improve the health of the urethral mucosa by thickening its lining and increasing vascularity. This helps restore urethral tissue integrity and coaptation, which can modestly improve continence in women who have atrophy from menopause. Systemic estrogen is not routinely used to treat urinary incontinence because evidence for a benefit is inconsistent and there are systemic risks; estrogen does not cure UI. So the statement that local estrogen may improve urethral mucosa is the true, evidence-based point here.