Urinary Incontinence (UI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
- Urinary Incontinence is a common and distressing condition affecting 1 in 3 women above the age of 40.
- In the UK alone, 6 million women suffer from UI, with 1 million of these describing their condition as significantly bothering and/or socially disabling.
- WHO recognises UI as a worldwide women health problem, which can significantly impair quality of life
- UI suffers often receive a late diagnosis and treatment, (average 5 years)
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the organs in the pelvis slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse can occur with the uterus, bowel, bladder or top of the vagina.
- A prolapse isn't usually life-threatening, but it can cause pain and discomfort
- Vaginal childbirth is the most common risk factor for developing pelvic organ prolapse, but women who have never been pregnant can still develop the condition
The University of Aberdeen hosts a world leading research programme in Pelvic Floor Disorders with the aim of evaluating the best and least invasive investigations and treatments. Professor Abdel-Fattah leads this multi-disciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, nurses and patient representatives. Research income over recent years has totalled over £9 million. The results have and are expected to continue to help improve the quality of lives for hundreds of thousands of women worldwide.
Researchers:
- Professor Mohamed Abdel-Fattah
- Professor Kevin Cooper
- Dr Alyaa Mostafa
- Dr Christine Hemming
- Shamima Islam Nipa
- David Cooper