Urinary incontinence affects roughly half of women over 65 and millions of men, especially after prostate surgery. Treatment ranges from pelvic floor therapy and bladder training to medications, nerve stimulation devices, and surgery. Many people manage symptoms well, but research continues on reversing underlying muscle and nerve damage.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing stem cell injections to rebuild damaged sphincter muscle, nerve growth factors, new medications that target bladder overactivity through different pathways than current drugs, and minimally invasive procedures. Researchers are also studying the role of the microbiome and hormones in bladder control, and testing devices that stimulate nerves through the skin.
Regenerative approaches
Stem cell injections aim to rebuild the weakened urethral sphincter, potentially offering lasting improvement for stress incontinence. Early studies show promising safety and some functional gains.
Neuromodulation devices
Wearable devices that stimulate the tibial nerve or other targets are being tested as alternatives to implanted stimulators. These may offer less-invasive options for overactive bladder.
Targeted medications
New drugs aim to calm bladder contractions through pathways different from current anticholinergics, potentially with fewer cognitive side effects. Beta-3 agonists like mirabegron represent one newer class already in use.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on incontinence type (stress, urge, or mixed), severity and duration, prior treatments tried, and other health conditions affecting the bladder or pelvic floor.
What types of trials are currently open
- Device trials — Testing nerve stimulation devices, either implanted or wearable, to improve bladder control by modulating nerve signals.
- Regenerative trials — Studies of stem cells or growth factors injected near the bladder or urethra to repair damaged tissue and restore muscle function.
- Medication trials — Testing new drugs or combinations to reduce urgency and leakage, often comparing them to existing medications like oxybutynin or mirabegron.
- Behavioral trials — Studies of pelvic floor training programs, bladder retraining protocols, and lifestyle changes to see what works best for different types of incontinence.
- Surgical technique trials — Comparing different surgical approaches, such as sling procedures or injectables, to determine which offers the best outcomes with fewest complications.
Recently added Urinary Incontinence trials
Standardized 4D Transperineal Ultrasound Assessment of Urethrovesical Junction Mobility After Vaginal Laser Treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence.
This prospective single-center observational cohort study will assess changes in urethrovesical junction (UVJ) mobility and urethral morphology after vaginal Er:YAG laser treatment in 40 adult women with pure stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence. Participants will independently choose self-paid laser treatment as routine clinical care before being offered study participation. Treatment comprises three sessions at 4-6-week intervals. Standardized 4D transperineal ultrasound and clinical assessments will be performed at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after the final session. The primary outcome is change in craniocaudal UVJ mobility, measured in millimeters, from baseline to 1 month after the final session. Secondary outcomes include UVJ mobility at 3 and 6 months, UVJ position, mid-urethral morphology, patient-reported outcomes, cough stress test results, adverse events, and initiation of additional SUI treatment. Exploratory analyses will assess associations between ultrasound changes and clinical outcomes.
Effectiveness of Individualized Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation in Addition to Standard Urotherapy and Alarm Therapy in Children With Primary Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis
This study will evaluate whether adding individualized pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation to standard urotherapy and alarm treatment improves bedwetting in children aged 5-18 years with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups will receive standard urotherapy and alarm treatment. One group will also receive pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation for 12 weeks. The study will compare dry nights, alarm activations, and changes in pelvic floor muscle function between the groups.
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