RecruitingObservational

Pelvic floor symptoms in women receiving peritoneal dialysis

This study wants to learn more about pelvic floor problems in women who use peritoneal dialysis at home. This type of dialysis can sometimes put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which might lead to issues like bladder, bowel, or womb prolapse. We don't yet know how common these problems are or how much they affect women's daily lives. This pilot study will use questionnaires to ask women on peritoneal dialysis about their pelvic floor symptoms. The information gathered will be used to help design a bigger study in the future. We hope this research will lead to better understanding and support for women experiencing these symptoms.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

15 May 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

Pelvic floor symptoms in women on peritoneal dialysis

What is this study about?

You might be interested in this study if you are a woman using peritoneal dialysis at home. This type of dialysis helps clean your blood, and it involves putting fluid into your tummy. Sometimes, the pressure from this fluid can affect the muscles in your pelvic floor. These muscles act like a sling at the bottom of your pelvis, supporting organs like your bladder, bowel, and womb, and helping with bladder and bowel control.

When these muscles weaken, it can sometimes lead to a condition called pelvic floor prolapse. This is when an organ, such as the bladder or bowel, bulges into or out of the vagina. While we know this can happen, we don't fully understand how common it is in women on peritoneal dialysis or how much it impacts their daily lives. For example, it might be more common in women who have had children or who are overweight.

This study, run by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, is a small, initial (pilot) study. Its main purpose is to test out some questionnaires that ask about pelvic floor symptoms. By understanding how these questionnaires work and what kind of information they provide, we can then design a much larger study in the future. The ultimate goal is to get a clearer picture of these issues so that women on peritoneal dialysis can receive the best possible care and support.

Key takeaways

This study explores pelvic floor symptoms in women on peritoneal dialysis.
It aims to understand how common these issues are and how they affect daily life.
Participation involves completing two questionnaires over 6 months.
There are no direct health benefits, but identified issues will be shared with your doctor.
The study is a small pilot to help design larger, future research.
Support will be offered if sensitive questions cause distress.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women between the ages of 18 and 90 years old. An important requirement is that you must currently be receiving peritoneal dialysis.

Before you can join, the study team will make sure you are able to understand what the study involves and can give your permission to take part. They will also check if you have any other serious health conditions that your own doctor thinks might make it risky for you to participate, such as a severe mental health condition or if you've recently experienced a very difficult personal event.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman?
Are you between 18 and 90 years old?
Are you currently receiving peritoneal dialysis?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement will be quite straightforward. You will be asked to complete some questionnaires. These questionnaires will ask you about any pelvic floor symptoms you might have and how these symptoms affect your daily life. You'll fill out these same questionnaires twice: once at the very start of the study, and then again after 6 months. That's all that's involved; there are no medicines to take or extra hospital visits for examinations.

Potential risks and benefits

While we don't expect you to have direct health benefits from taking part, completing the questionnaires might bring up symptoms or health concerns you weren't aware of, or hadn't discussed. If this happens, the study team will let your doctor know so that you can get help or treatment. The main risk is that some questions might cover sensitive or personal topics, which could cause some distress. If you feel upset by any questions, support will be available. You are always free to stop participating in the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
City only
Leicester, England

Common questions

What is peritoneal dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis is a way to clean your blood when your kidneys don't work properly. It's usually done at home and involves putting a special fluid into your tummy.

What are pelvic floor muscles?

These are muscles at the bottom of your pelvis that act like a hammock. They support organs like your bladder, bowel, and womb, and help you control when you pee or poo.

What is pelvic floor prolapse?

This is when one of the organs in your pelvis, like the bladder or bowel, drops down and bulges into or out of your vagina, because the pelvic floor muscles are weak.

Will I get direct medical treatment from this study?

No, this study doesn't provide direct treatment. However, if the questionnaires highlight any health issues, your doctor will be informed so you can get the right care.

How long will the study last for me?

If you join, you will complete questionnaires at the start and then again 6 months later. So your active involvement will be over a 6-month period.

How to find out more

Osasuyi Iyasere

osasuyi.iyasere@nhs.net +44 (0)1162584195 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.