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.

The cause of Fowler's syndrome is not known. It is due to a spasm in a band of muscle that is found at the exit of the bladder, but what causes this muscle to spasm is unknown. Fowler's syndrome is seen more often in women who have had a surgical procedure, childbirth, opiate exposure or a sudden medical condition, such as an infection or illness.

Symptoms of Fowler’s syndrome may include:

• Inability to pee (urinate)
• Inability to feel that the bladder is full
• Stomach pain

Fowler's syndrome usually occurs in women under the age of thirty. It may develop after a surgical procedure, childbirth, opiate use, or other sudden medical condition. Some women with Fowler's syndrome have polycystic ovaries. Because there are many causes for urinary retention (the inability to empty the bladder), Fowler's syndrome may be difficult to diagnose.

Fowler’s syndrome is difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis usually involves ruling out more common causes of urinary retention (the inability to empty the bladder). In addition, it may be necessary to determine how much urine the bladder can hold without the person feeling like she has to go to the bathroom. In women with Fowler's syndrome, a test known as a concentric needle electromyography (EMG) often shows a characteristic abnormality.

Specialists involved in the care of someone with Fowler's syndrome may include:

• Gynecologist
• Urologist

The exact number of people with Fowler's syndrome is unknown. One study estimated that Fowler's syndrome is the cause of the inability to empty the bladder in about 0.3% of cases.