HMS-ESTEEM

Human Microbe Study for ESTEEM

Public Access Data and Forms

The cause of mixed urinary incontinence is unknown. A first step in exploring the reason women suffer from mixed urinary incontinence is to identify differences that may exist between women with and without mixed incontinence. Until recently, urine was believed to be sterile or completely bacteria-free. Using new research techniques called genetic (DNA) analysis; scientists have been able to identify very small amounts of bacteria in the urine of many women.

The HMS-ESTEEM study will compare the bacterial environments of the bladder and vagina in women with mixed urinary incontinence who are enrolled in the ESTEEM trial with women (controls) who report that they do not experience urgency or stress incontinence.

HMS-ESTEEM participants will have catheterized urine specimens and vaginal specimens sent for culture and DNA analysis. We are seeking 210 women to participate in this study.

We believe that this research will help us understand the potential role that bacteria may play in causing or perhaps protecting women from mixed urinary incontinence.

Study Participants will be:

  1. Women enrolled in the ESTEEM Study, a study evaluating women with mixed urinary incontinence (those women who suffer from both cough/laugh/sneeze involuntary urine loss and urine loss associated with sensations of urinary urgency) and
  2. Controls who are women unaffected by symptoms of mixed urinary incontinence.

 

STUDY RESULTS SUMMARY

Komesu YM, et al. The urinary microbiome in women with mixed urinary incontinence compared to similarly aged controls. Int Urogynecol J. 2018 Dec.

Carnes M, et al. Urinary microbiome community types associated with urinary incontinence severity in women. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Mar.

Richter H, et al. Association between the urogenital microbiome and surgical treatment response in women undergoing midurethral sling operation for mixed urinary incontinence. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022 Jan.

Komesu YM, et al. Defining the Relationship Between Vaginal and Urinary Microbiomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Feb.

Komesu YM, et al. Methodology for a vaginal and urinary microbiome study in women with mixed urinary incontinence. Int Urogynecol J. 2017 May.