FPMRS Research

Research in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)

Research in the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) division is focused on both clinical and translational research projects that will help to better understand the pathophysiology of lower urinary tract disorders and devise better ways to treat them. 

Our investigator initiated clinical projects include phenotyping pelvic pain and overactive bladder syndrome disorders, investigating innovative forms of neural and pelvic floor stimulation to treat certain types of overactive bladder syndrome, using big data and AI to understand risk factors and rate of progression of acute cystitis to sepsis, evaluating the use of telemedicine to treatment overactive bladder syndrome, understanding patient perceptions of using anticholinergic medications to treat overactive bladder given a possible link to developing dementia. We also have two industry sponsor clinical trials:  A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel Arm Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of a Single Treatment of BOTOX®, in Women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS); and A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating INTIBIA™, an Investigational Implantable Tibial Nerve Stimulator. 

The FPMRS division also has a very active basic science research program, led by Dr. A. Lenore Ackerman, Assistant Professor of Urology and Director of Research, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, focused on translational research of the genitourinary microbiome.  Phenotyping of IC/BPS Using Microbial Community States: Validation of a Novel Congressionally-Noninvasive Biomarker, The Role of the Vaginal Microbiota in Urgency Urinary Incontinence in Older Women, The Urinary Microbiota and Host Inflammation in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Characterizing Urinary Candida Strain Virulence in Women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.