Bladder Research Study

STUDY BASICS

Are you a woman age 40 or up who has sudden urges to urinate, and leaks urine? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about what happens in the brain when this occurs. Participation involves two visits and incudes questionnaires, a physical exam, and an MRI scan. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine. One common type of urinary incontinence is called urge incontinence. Women with urge incontinence have a sudden, strong need to urinate but can't reach the bathroom in time. Urge incontinence can be triggered by different situations like approaching the front door, doing the dishes, or hearing or touching running water. The causes of urge incontinence are unknown, and therapies are mostly ineffective. The purpose of this study is to investigate what happens in the brain when people encounter situations or environments that trigger incontinence episodes. Researchers hope their findings will lead to the development of better treatments for people with urge incontinence.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Women age 40 and up
• Have sudden urges to urinate
• Leak urine at least 2 times per week for over 3 months
• Willing and able to undergo MRI scanning

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves 2 visits. During the first 2-hour visit, participants will provide information about their symptoms, have a brief physical exam, and take a pregnancy test. Participants will be given a camera to take home between visits with instructions to take pictures of situations that do and do not trigger their symptoms. Participants will also be asked to complete a 7-day bladder diary. The second visit will last about 3 hours during which participants will have a catheter inserted into the bladder and will complete a 1 – 1 ½ hour, non-invasive MRI scan.