Mission of the Women's Research Program for Bladder and Pelvic Health

Female pelvic floor disorders are often misunderstood and too often go unrecognized by medical professionals. While a wide range of therapies are currently available, most women do not seek treatment, especially for incontinence, because they consider it a normal part of aging. Embarrassment may also lead many women to hide their incontinence from both doctors and family.

Many medical professionals are also "in the dark" regarding the identification and treatment of female pelvic floor disorders. Women seek health care from many different types of medical professionals, including gynecologists, family practitioners, internal medicine specialists, urologists, and women's health care specialists. It is estimated that as many as 40% of women over the age of 60 have urinary incontinence; however, because of the lack of awareness, many are underdiagnosed and underreported.

It is the mission of the Center for Research in Continence and Pelvic Floor Disorders to better educate women and medical professionals about female pelvic floor disorders. As part of this mission the Center plans to:

• Conduct research studies that will determine the most effective treatments for women with pelvic floor disorders such as prolapse and incontinence as well as individualized treatments.
• Educate medical professionals on the most effective therapies.
• Conduct research studies that look at the quality of life of the women who suffer from pelvic floor disorders.
• Educate women about female pelvic floor disorders so that they can manage these conditions without embarrassment or shame and seek treatment in an informed manner.
• Investigate aspects of the childbirth experience for risks that may lead to future pelvic organ disfunction.