Bladder Studies

The UCSF Women's Health Clinical Research Center conducts a variety of research studies designed to further understand the causes, diagnosis, and treatments of urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and urinary symptoms in women. Our goal is to investigate novel treatments to improve urinary symptoms. Please read more about current research studies below. Or click on the "Prescreen" button to answer a few questions to see if you may qualify for one of our studies.

 

RECRUITING NOW

Study Name: Treatment of Incontinence for Underlying Mental and Physical Health (TRIUMPH)

Purpose: The TRIUMPH Study will compare the effects of two FDA-approved medicines compared to focusing on behavioral ways to control bladder problems. Our goal is to compare how different types of treatments affect not only bladder symptoms but also other areas of your health, like memory, mood, movement, and sleep. What we learn could lead to better treatment of people with bladder problems. 

Do you qualify? You, or someone in your household, may be eligible if you:

  • Are a woman, 60 years of age or older
  • Have frequent urine leakage caused by strong or sudden urges to urinate
  • Are willing to take FDA-approved medication daily for 6 months

What does the study involve?

  • Participation in this study includes up-to six visits over 9 months that can be either in-person or video visits, and 1 phone call. In-person visits are available in San Francisco, Oakland, Palo Alto, or Redwood City.
  • Completing study diaries and questionnaires in English at home

Compensation: If you qualify and enroll, you will receive up to $175 in gift cards. 

Other benefits: If you enroll in the main part of this study, you may receive study medication at no cost. You will also have evaluations of your cognitive, mental, and physical function that may provide useful, personalized information about your health.

Funding: The TRIUMPH Study is funded by the National Institute of Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Participating in a clinical research study is voluntary. Your decision not to participate will not affect your ability to get regular medical care at UCSF. If you are not interested in this study, you do not need to do anything. 

How do I participate?

  • San Francisco/Oakland: To get more information and find out if you are eligible, please:
  • Stanford/Redwood City: To get more information and find out if you are eligible, please:

RECRUITING SOON

SIMPLE STUDY

Do you have bladder problems? 

Learn behavioral management strategies on your mobile device to help improve your symptoms.

What will you be asked to do?

•Use a mobile phone program to improve your bladder symptoms without medications
•You will also be asked to answer questions about your bladder symptoms and about the mobile program.

Who can join?

•Women, at least 40 years of age
•Preferred language of Spanish or Chinese
•Have urinary incontinence (leaking urine)

You could earn up to $100.

RECRUITMENT COMPLETE

LILA Study

What is LILA?

The LILA Study (Lessening Incontinence through Low-impact Activity) is a randomized, parallel-group trial of a group-based yoga practice program versus physical conditioning program for treatment of urinary incontinence in women. You may be eligible for the study if you are:

  • Are a woman, at least 45 years old
  • Frequently experience unwanted urine leakages (e.g. daily)
  • Are willing to answer questionnaires
  • Are willing to attend a yoga or physical conditioning classes 2 times a week, for 12 weeks

Participation in this study includes 4 clinic visits over 12 weeks.  Those who qualify may be compensated for their time.

Why is this study being done?

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of two different low-impact physical activity-based programs in women with urinary incontinence: yoga practice and physical conditioning. 

CURE Study

What is CURE?

The CURE Study (Controlling Urgency by Relaxation Exercises) is a randomized controlled trial comparing two kinds of relaxation exercises to treat urinary urgency (a.k.a. overactive bladder) in women. You may be eligible for the study if you are:

  • Are a woman, at least 21 years old
  • Can’t seem to get to the bathroom fast enough
  • Are willing to use a small portable device to practice daily relaxation exercises involving slow breathing or music listening

Participation in this study includes 5 visits over 14 weeks at our UCSF Mount Zion campus or in our Oakland office.  Those who qualify may be compensated up to $120 in gift cards for their participation.

Why is this study being done?

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of two types of relaxation therapy – paced respiration or music therapy -- to treat urinary urgency (overactive bladder), in women. In this study, a small device will be used either to guide your breathing rate or play specially-designed relaxing music.