IUGA members may submit their survey to IUGA for review and approval for distribution. For more information about survey dissemination, please review the IUGA Survey Dissemination Policy.

The IUGA Research & Development Committee is seeking for 3 to 5 volunteers to contribute to the development of an opinion paper on Obstructed Defecation Syndrome: Management of Clinical and Proctographic rectoceles and early grade rectorectal intussusception.

Posterior vaginal prolapse (rectocele) is a common morphological condition in patients with Obstructive Defecation Syndrome. Typical symptoms include Incomplete Evacuation, Transanal or Transvaginal Digitation and Soiling. Diagnosis of posterior vaginal prolapse is made clinically. Functional assessment of posterior vaginal prolapse can be performed by dynamic imaging, e.g. by defecating proctograms or magnetic resonance (MR) defecography.

The review focuses on the treatment options of women with Posterior Vaginal Prolapse presenting with Obstructed Defecation Syndrome either on clinical examination or on imaging. The writing group will review the literature on the management of women with Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse whose predominant presenting symptom is obstructed defecation. The review will involve the assessment and treatment of Obstructed Defecation in the remit of a urogynecologist.

The outcome of Transvaginal Repair of Posterior Vaginal Prolapse as a safe and effective first line treatment in women with marked obstructed defecation will be evaluated.

PICO

• Population: Women with Obstructed Defecation Syndrome and with various stages of Posterior Vaginal Prolapse on clinical examination.
• Intervention: Conservative management/medical treatment/Posterior vaginal repair with various techniques (midline fascial plication or defect specific repair)/ Ventral Mesh Rectopexy.
• Comparison: Women with Obstructed Defecation without a clinically evident posterior vaginal wall prolapse and have a radiologically evident rectocele or rectorectal intussuseption undergoing any of the above treatments.
• Outcome measures: Improvement of Obstructed Defecation Syndrome.

Timeline: This project is expected to begin in September 2022 and conclude by September 2023.

Contributor Expectations:
- The manuscript will be developed using a collaborative process that requires regular communication via email, possible conference calls, and completion of assignments.
- Contributors will produce and deliver all completed assignments and required information on or before the agreed deadlines.
- Contributors will disclose all potential conflicts of interest (see Conflict of Interest Policy here). 

Eligibility
Current IUGA members are eligible to apply.

How to Apply:
Please submit the following to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Monday August 8, 2022:
1. A letter of interest that includes your qualifications and experience related to this topic
2. Your CV
3. Complete the Disclosure Form

Application Deadline:
Applications must be received by 11:59pm CET on Monday August 8, 2022

The IUGA Research & Development Committee is seeking for 3 to 5 volunteers to contribute to the development of an opinion paper on the Mode of Subsequent Delivery After Obstetrical Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS).

Obstetrical Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS) are severe perineal lacerations, which have a significant impact on quality of life. The rates of OASIS have been increasing worldwide due to improved awareness, recognition, and reporting. Sixty percent of women with OASIS have a subsequent pregnancy.¹ When these women conceive again, they are faced with a dilemma regarding the most appropriate mode of delivery. Although counseling about mode of delivery influenced decision in 34.9% of women,² there is a large variation in clinical practice and advice provided to women.³ Currently, there are no Randomized Controlled Trials that assess the optimal mode of delivery for subsequent pregnancy post-OASIS and such a trial would not be feasible.⁴ A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis by Webb et al. concluded that due to sample size, quality, and heterogeneity of available studies, the optimal mode of delivery for women with previous OASIS remains unknown.⁵ While most women are good candidates for vaginal delivery,⁵ there is evidence that women with prior OASIS are more likely to have an elective cesarean section.⁶

PICO Question: ““What is the recommended mode of subsequent delivery for women with previous Obstetrical Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS)?”

• Population: women with previous OASIS based on grade – major (3c or 4^th) or minor (3a or 3b)

• Intervention: subsequent mode of delivery

• Comparison: mode of delivery (vaginal delivery; spontaneous or instrumental, vs cesarean section)

• Outcome Measures:

  • Impact of subsequent delivery on pelvic floor dysfunction; anorectal symptoms, sexual function, and quality of life
  • Women’s regret about subsequent mode of delivery and factors influencing this decision
  • Incidence of recurrent OASIS

Timeline:
This project is expected to begin in August 2022 and conclude by August 2023.

Contributor Expectations:
- The manuscript will be developed using a collaborative process that requires regular communication via email, possible conference calls, and completion of assignments.
- Contributors will produce and deliver all completed assignments and required information on or before the agreed deadlines.
- Contributors will disclose all potential conflicts of interest (see Conflict of Interest Policy here). 

Eligibility
Current IUGA members are eligible to apply.

How to Apply:
Please submit the following to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Wednesday, June 8, 2022:
1. A letter of interest that includes your qualifications and experience related to this topic
2. Your CV
3. Complete the Disclosure Form

Application Deadline:
Applications must be received by 11:59pm CET on Wednesday, June 8, 2022

References:

1. Fradet-Menard C, Deparis J, Gachon B, Sichitiu J, Pierre F, Fritel X, et al. Obstetrical anal sphincter injuries and symptoms after subsequent deliveries: A 60 patient study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2018;226:40-6.
2. Edwards M, Kobernik EK, Suresh S, Swenson CW. Do women with prior obstetrical anal sphincter injury regret having a subsequent vaginal delivery? BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2019;19(1):225.
3. Sangalli MR, Floris L, Faltin D, Weil A. Anal incontinence in women with third or fourth degree perineal tears and subsequent vaginal deliveries. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2000;40(3):244-8.
4. van der Vlist M, Oom D, van Rosmalen J, van Ovost A, Hogewoning C. Parturition mode recommendation and symptoms of pelvic floor disorders after obstetric anal sphincter injuries. Int Urogynecol J. 2020;31(11):2353-9.
5. Webb SS, Yates D, Manresa M, Parsons M, MacArthur C, Ismail KM. Impact of subsequent birth and delivery mode for women with previous OASIS: systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J. 2017;28(4):507-14.
6. Jha S, Parker V. Risk factors for recurrent obstetric anal sphincter injury (rOASI): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J. 2016;27(6):849-57.

The IUGA Research & Development Committee is seeking for 3 to 5 volunteers to contribute to the development of an opinion paper on Mixed Urinary Incontinence.

Mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) is defined by the IUGA and ICS as the complaint of involuntary leakage of urine associated with urgency and also with exertion, effort, sneezing or coughing. It therefore implies the coexistence of both stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). It is a very heterogeneous diagnosis which requires an assessment of its individual components including stress urinary incontinence, urgency, frequency, nocturia and urgency incontinence. Though the definition does not include overactive bladder (urgency, frequency, nocturia), these would be considered as part of the assessment of MUI. Urodynamic diagnosis, however, would rely on demonstrating both detrusor overactivity and urodynamic stress incontinence. Management will require an individualised approach to the symptom components. The aim of this paper is to inform evidence-based counseling for women who have MUI regarding assessments/investigations and management options.

PICO Question: “What is the recommended assessments/investigations and management of MUI?”

• Population:  women with MUI
• Intervention: assessments/investigations with focus on management of MUI
• Comparison: women with pure SUI or pure UUI
• Outcome Measures: diagnosis of MUI and Improvement of symptoms of MUI

Timeline:
This project is expected to begin in August 2022 and conclude by August 2023.

Contributor Expectations:
- The manuscript will be developed using a collaborative process that requires regular communication via email, possible conference calls, and completion of assignments.
- Contributors will produce and deliver all completed assignments and required information on or before the agreed deadlines.
- Contributors will disclose all potential conflicts of interest (see Conflict of Interest Policy here). 

Eligibility
Current IUGA members are eligible to apply.

How to Apply:
Please submit the following to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Wednesday, June 8, 2022:
1. A letter of interest that includes your qualifications and experience related to this topic
2. Your CV
3. Complete the Disclosure Form

Application Deadline:
Applications must be received by 11:59pm CET on Wednesday, June 8, 2022

IUGA Committees are responsible for the development and management of all IUGA projects and activities. Membership on IUGA's committees is open to all interested physicians, non-physicians, and physicians in training who hold current membership in IUGA. The intent is for committee membership to mirror the geographic diversity of the IUGA Membership. Members are limited to serving on only one committee at any given time, with the exception of Fellows, Trainees & Early Career Professionals Committee members who may also be assigned to another committee to represent the trainee perspective across the organization. We are dependent on the expertise and time our committee members voluntarily contribute. 

There are currently 12 established IUGA Committees:

• Education Committee
• Fellows, Trainees, and Early Career Professionals Committee
• Fellowship Development Committee
• History Committee
• Membership Committee
• Nominating Committee
• Public Relations Committee
• Publications Committee
• Research and Development Committee
• Scientific Committee
• Social Media Committee
• Surgical Committee
• Terminology & Standardization Committee

Nominations for the elected positions listed below will be accepted from May 11, 2021 until 11:59pm CDT on August 3, 2021. The term for each of these positions will begin January 1, 2022.

IUGA seeks to have members in leadership positions who represent the geographic and multidisciplinary nature of the association. Members from Africa, Asia, and Latin America are therefore especially encouraged to apply, as well as allied health professionals (non-physician members) from all regions.

Board of Directors

• Secretary – 2-year term, renewable once

International Advisory Board (IAB)

• Central & East Asia Representative – 3-year term, non-renewable
  This region includes the following countries: Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Mongolia, North Korea, People's Republic of China, South Korea, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
• Southern Asia Representative – 3-year term, non-renewable
  This region includes the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
• Southeastern Asia Representative – 3-year term, non-renewable
  This region includes the following countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
• Western Asia – 3-year term, non-renewable
  This region includes the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, State of Palestine, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen

Committee Chairs

• Education Committee Chair – 2-year term, renewable once
• Fellows, Trainees & Early Career Professionals Committee Chair – 2-year term, renewable once
• Membership Committee Chair – 2-year term, renewable once
• Public Relations Committee Chair – 2-year term, renewable once
• Publications Committee Chair - 2-year term, renewable once
• Research & Development Committee Chair – 2-year term, renewable once 

Nomination Process

As specified in the by-laws, the Nominating Committee will receive all nominations, will review them and will present the proposed nominees at the virtual IUGA Annual Business Meeting in September 2021. Nominations will also be taken from the floor during the Annual Business Meeting. The Nominating Committee may add additional nominees if it is considered by the Committee to be in the best interest of the association.

Nominations may be submitted by any IUGA member in good standing, including the nominee him or herself. A member may be a candidate for only one position. Those making nominations are asked to reflect on the qualifications related to the position for which they are nominating themselves or a candidate. Qualifications for each open position are listed below.

To Self-nominate:

Self-nominees should submit the online Nomination Form, which will include your position statement/statement of interest in the elected position and your relevant experience as well as uploading a CV and photo. You will also need to complete the online Disclosure Form. 

To Nominate an IUGA Colleague

To nominate a colleague, please email the IUGA Office (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with the name of the colleague you are nominating, and the position for which you are nominating them. The IUGA Office will then contact the nominee to 1) confirm they are interested and willing to stand in the election and 2) to request the nominee submit the online nomination form and requested materials.

All nominations must be received by 11:59pm CDT on Monday, August 3, 2021.

Qualifications for Open Positions

Secretary

• Minimum active membership in IUGA: 5 years
• Previous contribution to IUGA (i.e., hosting or organizing an Annual Meeting, Regional Symposium, or eXchange) AND/OR previous participation as a committee chair or member of the International Advisory Board
• Attended IUGA Annual Meeting in 3 of the past 5 years
• The duties of secretary are to:
  • See that records of the proceedings of the Association are kept and that the Association’s by-laws are current
  • Be the primary contact with the office in planning and organization of the Annual Meetings

International Advisory Board Representatives

• Minimum active membership in IUGA: 5 years
• Be a resident in the region to be represented
• Demonstrated commitment to IUGA and evidence of leadership/involvement in the development of urogynecology in the region
• Attended IUGA Annual Meeting in 3 of past 5 years
• The duties of IAB members are to:
  • Meet with and counsel the Board of Directors
  • Serve as a member of the IUGA Membership Committee
  • Initiate symposia and other educational activities in their respective home region

Committee Chairs

• Minimum active membership in IUGA: 5 years
• Active member of committee with significant contribution (i.e., subcommittee chair, working group/project chair)
• Attended IUGA Annual Meeting in 2 of past 3 years
• The duties of the committee chairs are to guide the work of their committee so that it achieves its mandate and achieves its stated annual objectives

Timeline

 If one candidate for a particular position does not receive a majority (over 50%) of the vote, a run-off election will be conducted November 8 – December 2, with the results announced the second week of December.

The Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is comprised of the president, immediate past president, two elected members, and one member appointed by the president. The current members of the Nominating Committee are:

• Ranee Thakar, Chair (Immediate Past President)
• Jorge Haddad (President)
• Olanrewaju Sorinola (Member-at-Large)
• Catherine Matthews (Member-at-Large)
• Roy Ng (Appointed)