Identifying early warning signs of pelvic organ prolapse in young women
Official title: Identifying precursor phenotypes of pelvic organ prolapse by quantifying pelvic floor functional reserve: a novel approach to advancing prevention efforts
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11384896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant aims to find early markers that signal risk of pelvic organ prolapse so we can prevent severe disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $644,056 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD119124-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are women at risk for pelvic organ prolapse, especially those with a family history, early signs, or within the age window studied.
✕Less likely to help
Women without risk factors or those not followed longitudinally may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
The project looks at how pelvic floor function changes with age and genetics to identify precursor phenotypes before prolapse becomes severe. Researchers will study markers such as pelvic floor reserve, aging, and hereditary factors to understand who might be at risk. The goal is to shift care from treating advanced prolapse to preventing it through screening and early detection. The work will use biomechanical, bioinformatics, and biopsy data to map risk patterns and develop preventative strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to screening tools that identify at-risk women early and guide preventative interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked pelvic floor factors and genetics to prolapse risk, but a precise precursor signature is still being explored and this study aims to advance that knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swenson, Carolyn W — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Swenson, Carolyn W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Matrix Regenerative Nanotech to Slow Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Adults
A new nanoparticle-based treatment aims to slow pelvic organ prolapse in adults by reconnecting and strengthening elastic tissue to improve quality of life.
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New non-surgical option for treating pelvic organ prolapse
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use pessary for women over 50 with pelvic organ prolapse, designed to be more comfortable and simpler to insert and remove on their own.
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Creating a new type of graft to repair pelvic organ prolapse
This study is working on a new type of graft to help fix pelvic organ prolapse, aiming to create a safe and effective solution that mimics healthy vaginal tissue, so patients can have better outcomes and fewer complications.
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Developing a new adhesive to prevent pelvic organ prolapse in women
This study is working on a new, eco-friendly glue that can help women with early signs of vaginal wall detachment, which can lead to pelvic organ prolapse, by safely reattaching the vaginal wall to the pelvic muscles, aiming to prevent the need for surgery.
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Improving Uroflowmetry: Do Pre-Procedure Reminders Help Women Undergoing Urodynamics
This study tests whether sending reminder calls before a urodynamics test helps women with pelvic floor disorders feel more prepared and less anxious, and whether it makes the procedure go more smoothly.
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Vaginal Vault Support at Hysterectomy
This trial tests a new double-ligament vault suspension during hysterectomy to help prevent vaginal apex prolapse in women undergoing the procedure.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.