STUDY BASICS
Are you female aged 30-45 who does not experience urge urinary incontinence (the accidental release of urine because you can’t get to the bathroom in time)? You may be able to participate in a research study to help understand the relationship between the brain and bladder. If you have leakage with cough or sneeze, you may still be eligible. Compensation and transportation/parking fees provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Urge urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine when you can’t make it to the bathroom in time. Although the cause of urge incontinence is unknown, some research suggests that faulty connections between the brain and the bladder may play a role.
The purpose of this study is to better understand the relationship between the brain and the bladder in people who do and do not experience urgency urinary incontinence. Researchers hope their findings lead to better treatments for women with urinary incontinence in the future.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Women aged 30-45
- Do not experience any urinary urgency or incontinence (a sudden, strong urge to urinate that results in urine leakage)
- Willing and able to undergo MRI scanning (not claustrophobic)
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Participation involves two in-person visits. During the first visit, participants will answer questions. During the second visit, participants will have an MRI scan while their bladder is filled by a catheter. MRI scans are not invasive and do not use radiation.
IRB: STUDY20080217C
- Investigation of brain mechanisms involved in the Urinary Continence mechanism associated with agingMEET THE RESEARCHER
Neil M. Resnick
Neil Resnick, MD, is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. A graduate of Stanford University, Dr. Resnick’s research focuses on the causes and treatment of incontinence.
MEET THE RESEARCH TEAM
Becky Clarkson
Becky Clarkson, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in Medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Clarkson’s research interests include the link between the brain and the bladder in urge urinary inconsistence, situationally triggered urinary urgency and the development of new and improved incontinence treatments.