Understanding and measuring the causes of urinary incontinence
Official title: Development of 21st Century Concepts and Tools for Quantifying Urethral Failure Mechanisms that Cause Urinary Incontinence
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10892012 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to understand urinary incontinence in women, using advanced tools to learn more about how the muscles that control urination work, so that we can find better treatments to help those who experience this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,083,709 |
| NIH project number | 5RC2DK122379-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892012 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women over the age of 21 who experience urinary incontinence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with urinary incontinence due to non-structural causes or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced tools to better understand the mechanisms behind urinary incontinence, particularly in women. By creating innovative assessment methods, including new sensor technologies and imaging techniques, the research aims to provide a clearer picture of how the urethral sphincter complex contributes to this condition. The goal is to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from urinary incontinence. Patients may benefit from more effective therapies based on these new insights.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and higher cure rates for urinary incontinence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that innovative approaches to understanding urinary incontinence can lead to significant advancements in treatment options.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delancey, John O.l. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Delancey, John O.l.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
New Diaphragm-like implant to prevent urinary leakage after prostate cancer surgery
A resorbable implant placed at the time of prostate cancer surgery helps men regain bladder control faster and reduces the need for pads or secondary procedures.
-
Wireless pudendal nerve stimulation to reduce urine leakage after childbirth
A tiny wireless device that uses mechanical motion to make gentle electrical pulses to the nerve that controls the urethral muscle, aimed at helping women with stress urinary incontinence after vaginal delivery.
-
Collagen-based tissue guide to treat stress urinary incontinence in women
A new collagen-based implant approach is being developed to help women with stress urinary incontinence experience better results and fewer complications from current mesh slings.
-
Bladder health education and continence support for Black and Hispanic women in Washington, DC
A program offering bladder health education and behavioral therapies to help Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women in Washington, DC reduce urinary leakage and get better care.
-
Long-lasting bladder treatment for urinary leaks and urgency in older adults
This project is creating bladder-instilled medicines that aim to give months of relief from urinary leaks and urgent urges in older adults who haven't been helped by current treatments.
-
Exercise plus bladder training to prevent falls in older women with urine leaks
This program combines bladder-control training with strength and balance exercises to help older women who leak urine lower their chance of falling.
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.