Research Participants Needed
We are actively recruiting for research studies focused on women with one of the following conditions:
- Accidental bowel leakage (fecal incontinence)
- Urinary leakage (urinary incontinence)
- Vaginal prolapse (feeling a bulge from the vagina)
Please call 205-934-5498 to learn more about our research studies.
Current Research Studies
Do you leak urine with laugh, cough, or sneeze (SUI)?
UAB Urogynecology is partnering with Eli Lilly pharmaceutical company to evaluate an investigational oral GLP-1 medication, Orforglipron, for weight reduction. Research has shown that weight loss may significantly improve urinary leakage associated with Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), which is the involuntary leakage of urine during activities such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, exercising, or lifting heavy objects.
Can I join this study?
Yes, you may be able to join the study if you:
- Are aged 18 years and over
- Are a woman (assigned female at birth)
- Have a BMI* of 27 or higher
- Have not lost or gained more than 5kg of your body weight in the last 3 months
- Have daily episodes of accidental leakage of urine onto your clothing, underwear, or pad during an activity such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, running, exercising, or lifting.
- Do not have diabetes
- Do not take any anti-obesity, stress urinary incontinence or overactive bladder medication.
Additional criteria will apply.
*BMI stands for body mass index. It compares a person’s weight to their height. It can be used to check if someone is at risk for certain health conditions.
You will be compensated for your time and participation.
If you would like more information about the study, please contact Elizabeth Kilpatrick at ekilpatrick@uabmc.edu or 205-801-5830
You can complete the eligibility survey here: https://uab.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dh5l5VgppBXp8ai
What Women Need To Know About Pelvic Floor Symptoms
The pelvic floor is composed of the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue, and nerves that support the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum and help these pelvic organs function.
What are pelvic floor disorders?
- Urinary incontinence or lack of bladder control
- Fecal incontinence or lack of bowel control
- Pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which the uterus, bladder, and bowel may “drop” within or outside the vagina and cause a bulge through the vaginal opening
Women with pelvic floor disorders may experience:
- Urinary problems, including urinary incontinence; urinary leakage with coughing, sneezing, or with a strong urge to go; and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Bowel problems, such as stool leakage or difficulty having a bowel movement
- Vaginal prolapse, which is a bulge in or outside of the vagina that you can see or feel
Causes of Pelvic Floor Disorders
Childbirth is one of the major risk factors for developing pelvic floor disorders in women. Other factors include menopause, prior surgery or pelvic radiation, heavy lifting and straining, obesity, being born with weak connective tissue, and aging.
Treatment Options
If you have a pelvic health issue, it could benefit you to learn more about your treatment options. Surgical and non-surgical treatments include:
- Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT): Pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the pelvic muscles and help prevent leakage of urine and/or stool. PFMT can be done with the assistance of a trained pelvic floor physical therapist.
- Devices and Medications: Certain devices called pessaries can be used to treat urinary and bowel leakage and prolapse as an alternative to surgery or until you are ready for surgery. Medications are also available to treat a variety of pelvic floor problems.
- Surgery: Surgery may be recommended if symptoms continue after trying a non-surgical approach or for women who do not wish to try conservative therapies.
The specialists in the UAB Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery provide professional and sensitive care for women with urogynecological conditions.
To schedule an appointment with a UAB Medicine urogynecologist, please call 205-996-3130.