Genital hygiene, toilet habits, and urinary symptoms in normal-weight versus overweight/obese women
Investigation of Genital Hygiene, Toilet Behaviors, Body Awareness, and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Normal Weight and Overweight/Obese Women
This project will see if genital hygiene, toilet habits, and body awareness differ between women aged 18–45 who are normal weight and those who are overweight or obese, and whether those differences relate to urinary symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 246 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Gulhane School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, KEÇİÖREN) |
| Trial ID | NCT07383987 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational, cross-sectional comparison of women aged 18–45 grouped by BMI (normal weight 18.5–24.9 kg/m² vs overweight/obese ≥25 kg/m²). Participants complete questionnaires about genital hygiene behaviors, toileting habits, body awareness, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The study excludes pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent gynecologic/urologic surgery, active infections, and major neurologic, psychiatric, or oncologic disease. Data will be analyzed to identify differences between BMI groups and relationships between behaviors, awareness, and LUTS to inform weight-specific prevention approaches.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18–45 who are not menopausal, who have BMI in either the normal range (18.5–24.9 kg/m²) or ≥25 kg/m², who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and who have no active infection, major neurologic/psychiatric/oncologic disease, or history of relevant gynecologic/urologic surgery and can complete questionnaires are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women outside the age or BMI ranges, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active urogenital infection, recent relevant surgery, menopause, major neurologic/psychiatric/oncologic disease, or cannot complete questionnaires are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide targeted preventive advice to reduce urinary symptoms and urogenital infections, especially for overweight and obese women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked obesity with increased LUTS and some hygiene or toileting behaviors, but few studies have combined hygiene, toileting, body awareness, and LUTS in a single, holistic comparison by BMI.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female participants * Between the ages of 18 and 45 * Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-24.9 kg/m² for the normal weight group * Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² for the overweight/obese group * Sufficient cognitive function to answer the questionnaires * Not having entered menopause Exclusion Criteria: * Being pregnant or breastfeeding * History of bariatric surgery * History of gynecological or urological surgery/operation * Diagnosis of lower urinary tract infection or presence of active infection -symptoms * Presence of any neurological disease * Presence of any psychiatric disease * Presence of any oncological disease * Presence of a communication disorder that would interfere with the questionnaire application
Where this trial is running
Ankara, KEÇİÖREN
- Etlik City Hospital — Ankara, Keçi̇ören, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Özge ÖZKUTLU — Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: AYŞE K ÖZDEN ERGUN, PT, MSc Candidate
- Email: aysekardelenozden@gmail.com
- Phone: +90-533-094-5848
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.