TULIP-Biomarker

The TULIP-B “sub-study” is being conducted to study biologic markers present in the vagina or urine that may be associated with the development of bladder leakage. We are inviting participants to join this research study if they have recently delivered their first baby and are at risk for the development of bladder leakage.

The purpose of this research study is to determine if cells from the vaginal tissue show signs of inflammation and aging, and whether the types of bacteria in the vagina are different between women who develop bladder leakage after delivery and those who do not.

TULIP-B study participants will be asked to collect urine in a cup and gather some cells from the vagina using a soft cotton swab. Participants will attend 2 visits with the researchers or study staff and collect samples at home 3 times. These samples will allow the investigators to study biologic markers present in the vagina or urine that may be associated with the development of bladder leakage.

Participants will also be asked to fill out questionnaires about their health and incontinence symptoms from time to time. In addition, at the first visit and again at 6 months after delivery, all participants will have a pelvic exam so that the study doctor or team may check the strength of your pelvic muscles.

There are no benefits to participating in this research. However, we hope the information learned from this study will benefit other women who develop post-partum bladder leakage in the future.