GENETIC DETERMINANTS OF PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Pelvic floor disorder, including pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence, are common problems seen in all ages. One of every nine women will undergo surgery for these disorders in her lifetime, and one-third will undergo repeated surgeries for pelvic floor disorders. Many more women are affected by prolapse and incontinence but manage their symptoms without surgery. Although urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are distinct conditions, they frequently occur in the same individual. This may because they share some risk factors such as childbirth, but the causes of pelvic floor disorders is generally unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine if genetic factors influence the development of pelvic floor disorders. This is important for two reasons: it might help to discover the cause of these conditions, and it might help us to identify women at risk and prevent the problem before it develops.