The first IUGA Newsletter issue of 2019 is now available. In this issue, we publish the first letter from our new President of IUGA, Ranee Thakar, as well as share our new Committee Spotlight. You’ll also find the second installment of our new Video Spotlight section in which we collate video resources on a single topic.

This issue also has two fascinating articles by experts in pelvic pain focusing on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches to Pelvic Pain and an introduction to Central Sensitivity Syndromes in Urogynecology.

We continue to encourage everyone’s contribution to our upcoming newsletters. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to share your news and ideas with us.

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From September 24 through September 28, 2019 more than 2,000 attendees will join us for in Nashville for the AUGS/IUGA Joint Scientific Meeting in Nashville. You only have until April 12 to submit your abstract for oral presentations, oral posters, video presentations, scientific salons and posters. 

Don't delay! To find out more, click here.

We are pleased to announce we are now accepting applications for the 2019 IUGA Research Grant awards. Two $10,000 USD grants will be awarded – one for a basic science research project, and one for a clinical/patient-oriented research project. The IUGA Research Grant awards are designed to fund the development of the proposed research project, including all materials and testing, statistical analyses, and serves required to complete the research. Applicants must be current IUGA members.

The application submission deadline is Monday, April 1 at 11:59pm CDT.

Learn more and Apply

We have been working hard to bring our members new opportunities to learn from international experts! Check out all of the new content already added in 2019 :

• 2019 JANUARY e-Lecture: You have got research ideas but you do not know where and how to start - Types of research studies, outcome measurements and their assessment – Kaven Baessler
• 2019 FEBRUARY e-Lecture: Optimization of surgical care for women with pelvic floor disorders- Sarah A. Collins
• Must-See Surgical Video: Autologous Rectus Fascia Sling Placement in the Management of Female Stress Incontinence - Adam R. Miller, Brian J. Linder & Deborah J. Lightner
• Must-See Surgical Video: Urethrovaginal Fistula Closure - Marisa M. Clifton & Howard B. Goldman

Click here for information on how to download the IUGA Academy app!

FIUGA thanks the many donors – individuals, student groups, and industry partners – who supported our work in 2018. FIUGA is wholly dependent on donations and grants to carry out its work.

In 2018 we were able to support:

• 1 faculty and 2 physiotherapists to travel to Ghana to train both the physicians (fellows and faculty) and physiotherapists in conservative treatments – both in Accra and Kumasi.
• 5 faculty and fellows from the Ghana fellowship program to attend the IUGA Annual Meeting in Vienna to further their urogynecological education.
• Equipment and model purchases for both fellowship sites in Ghana (computers and printers for urodynamics, pessaries, pelvic floor models, etc.)
• 1 faculty from the new Nepal fellowship program to attend the IUGA Annual Meeting in Vienna.

Alone we can do a little; together we can do so much!

VIEW 2018 DONORS

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On February 12, 2019, the FDA Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee will meet to discuss and make recommendations regarding the safety and effectiveness of surgical mesh placed transvaginally in the anterior vaginal compartment to treat pelvic organ prolapse.  FDA is convening this meeting to seek expert opinion on the evaluation of the risks and benefits of these devices.  The Committee will be asked to provide scientific and clinical input on assessing the effectiveness, safety, and benefit/risk of mesh placed transvaginally in the anterior vaginal compartment, as well as identifying the appropriate patient population and physician training needed for these devices.

For more information, click here.

We are currently seeking three volunteers to serve on a Writing Group to develop a consensus statement on Management of Mesh-related Complications for the FPMRS Specialist. This will be a joint publication with AUGS.  The goal of this position statement is to draw on the common findings of recently published reviews and guidelines to develop a framework for FPMRS providers. It will address the importance of patient-centered care and shared-decision making, the process for identifying and diagnosing surgical complications related to mesh, and the clinical services, including multi-disciplinary assessment when appropriate that are required for centers treating mesh complications.  It will also provide an evidence-based algorithm to inform clinical decisions in treating mesh complications and identify evidence gaps.

We are seeking 3 members with the following expertise and/or skillset (note, not all are required):

• Clinical expertise with the management of mesh-related complications
• Knowledge and understanding of the scientific literature regarding the management of mesh-related complications
• Prior experience reviewing scientific literature and writing technical reports, reviews, or other scientific papers
• Commitment to teamwork, responsiveness, and dedication to complete assignments

Applications
The deadline for applications is Thursday, January 31 at 11:59pm Central Standard Time (CST). To apply, please follow these two steps:

1) Submit a letter of interest stating your qualifications for the position and a brief CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,

2) Complete the online COI form available by clicking here.

We are excited to announce that on April 11 and 12, 2019, we will be in Hangzhou, China! The program for our newest IUGA eXchange program, held at the Hangzhou Women’s Hospital, is now available. To see the program and learn more about this IUGA eXchange, click here.