IUGA is seeking two representatives, to join a joint IUGA/ICS Writing Group to develop an opinion paper titled “Female Voiding Dysfunction: Bridging the Gap Between Symptoms and Objective Findings.”
TIMELINE
The anticipated project duration is 12–24 months.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received by 11:59 PM UTC on Tuesday, November 24, 2026.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Female voiding dysfunction (FVD) is a heterogeneous and frequently under-recognized clinical condition characterized by abnormally slow and/or incomplete bladder emptying. Despite existing terminology and diagnostic definitions, significant challenges remain in identifying and classifying FVD, particularly due to inconsistencies between patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings.
Current diagnostic approaches lack standardized thresholds and clear non-invasive screening tools. Furthermore, overlapping conditions such as overactive bladder (OAB), underactive bladder (UAB), bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), detrusor underactivity (DU), and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can complicate clinical assessment and decision-making.
The aim of this joint IUGA/ICS opinion paper is to address these diagnostic challenges and propose a structured, clinically applicable pathway for the assessment of female voiding dysfunction.
The Writing Group will review the available evidence and explore key areas, including:
- Variability in definitions and diagnostic thresholds for female voiding dysfunction.
- The relationship between patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings.
- The overlap between voiding dysfunction and conditions such as OAB, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and POP.
- The clinical significance of atypical voiding patterns, including Valsalva voiding and learned voiding dysfunction.
- The role of non-invasive screening tools, including symptom questionnaires, bladder diaries, uroflowmetry, and post-void residual (PVR) measurements.
- The use of phenotype-based classification and selective urodynamic evaluation to support individualized clinical decision-making.
The proposed diagnostic framework will incorporate initial screening, severity-stratified PVR interpretation, phenotype-oriented classification, selective urodynamic evaluation, and longitudinal follow-up.
The ultimate goal is to improve diagnostic accuracy, support earlier identification of voiding dysfunction, facilitate individualized treatment strategies, and provide a foundation for future research and standardized clinical guidance.
WRITING GROUP
The Writing Group will consist of six representatives: three from IUGA and three from ICS, with the Writing Group Chair included among IUGA's three representatives.
The project will take a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise in urogynecology, urology, female lower urinary tract dysfunction, and relevant diagnostic methodologies.
CONTRIBUTOR EXPECTATIONS
Writing Group members will be expected to:
- Participate actively in the collaborative development of the report.
- Maintain regular communication with the Writing Group and participate in virtual meetings as required.
- Contribute to the review and evaluation of relevant literature.
- Complete assigned sections, reviews, and other contributions within agreed deadlines.
- Review and provide feedback on drafts throughout the development process.
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest in accordance with applicable policies.
NOTE
Applicants with relevant clinical or research experience in female voiding dysfunction, urogynecology, urology, urodynamics, or lower urinary tract disorders are particularly encouraged to apply.
Experience in literature review, evidence appraisal, consensus development, or clinical guideline development would also be valuable.
Applicants are encouraged to highlight their relevant expertise and experience in their applications.
HOW TO APPLY
- Submit your letter of interest and CV to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by November 24, 2026 - Complete the online Disclosure Form by November 24, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received by 11:59 PM UTC on November 24, 2026.
We encourage IUGA members with relevant expertise and experience in recurrent UTI prevention to apply and contribute to this important multidisciplinary collaborative project.