About

Anne L. Ackerman, MD, is a specialist in urology and urogynecology at UCLA, serving as the Director of Research for the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS). Her current research focuses on the role of host-microbe interactions in the etiology of benign lower urinary tract disorders. She specializes in treating men and women with incontinence, voiding dysfunction, and pelvic floor disorders, with a particular interest in geriatric urology. Dr. Ackerman was born in Los Angeles, CA, and grew up in various cities across the U.S. She earned her degree in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University, followed by a Ph.D. in Immunology from Yale, where she focused on molecular mechanisms of antigen presentation in dendritic cells. She completed her MD at Yale University School of Medicine and subsequently completed her internship in General Surgery and residency in Urology at UCLA. She further specialized as a fellow in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at UCLA. Her educational background and clinical focus emphasize translational medicine and pelvic health, and she is recognized as a top doctor in her field.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Urology
• Developmental psychology
• Family medicine
• Psychology
• Gender studies
• Intensive care medicine
• Clinical psychology

Selected publications

• Myofascial pelvic floor dysfunction as a hidden contributor to urinary symptoms

  Minerva Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2026-02-19

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as frequency, urgency, and sensation of incomplete emptying are frequently attributed to bladder or urothelial disorders, but pelvic floor myofascial dysfunction is underrecognized as an etiologic factor. To present a conceptual framework for myofascial pelvic floor dysfunction (MPFD) as a contributor to urinary symptoms, review its urologic manifestations, discuss, and explore occult contributing factors, and propose integrated diagnostic and interventional therapeutic strategies. This is a narrative review and conceptual synthesis anchored on recent observational studies and existing literature on myofascial pelvic floor dysfunction. MPFD involves failure of appropriate muscle relaxation (or paradoxical contraction), often resistant to standard rehabilitation if underlying drivers remain untreated. The pelvic floor should be conceptualized as a biomechanical "cuboid" interacting with the diaphragm, spine, and abdominal wall. Patients may present with a spectrum of urinary, bowel, sexual, neurogenic, and pain symptoms. Success in rehabilitation demands identification and targeting occult contributors (anatomic, biomechanical, inflammatory, neurologic, behavioral, and central nervous system). Recognizing and addressing myofascial dysfunction as part of the multidimensional pathophysiology of LUTS may improve outcomes in patients' refractory to bladder-centric therapies. Prospective trials are needed to validate integrative treatment strategies.

  PublisherDOI

• MP23-08 HOW WE ASK MATTERS: INCOMPLETE BLADDER EMPTYING IN MEN AND WOMEN

  The Journal of Urology · 2025-04-08

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• MP34-03 PREDICTORS OF ELEVATED RESIDUAL URINE VOLUMES IN PATIENTS WHO REPORT A SENSATION OF INCOMPLETE BLADDER EMPTYING

  The Journal of Urology · 2025-04-08

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• PD43-06 METHODOLOGY TO ESTABLISH NON-INVASIVE SYNCHRONOUS HEART RATE AND HEART RATE VARIABILITY MEASUREMENT DURING UROFLOWMETRY TO EXAMINE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS

  The Journal of Urology · 2024-04-15

  article

  You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Female Pelvic Medicine: Overactive Bladder I (PD43)1 May 2024PD43-06 METHODOLOGY TO ESTABLISH NON-INVASIVE SYNCHRONOUS HEART RATE AND HEART RATE VARIABILITY MEASUREMENT DURING UROFLOWMETRY TO EXAMINE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS Kyle Brian Zuniga, Anne L. Ackerman, Michele Torosis, Victor Nitti, Andrew Macnab, and Lynn Stothers Kyle Brian ZunigaKyle Brian Zuniga , Anne L. AckermanAnne L. Ackerman , Michele TorosisMichele Torosis , Victor NittiVictor Nitti , Andrew MacnabAndrew Macnab , and Lynn StothersLynn Stothers View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001009568.19060.25.06AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) are established measures related to cardiovascular disease (CVD), a known risk factor correlated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and overactive bladder (OAB). However, there is no standardized methodology to relate changes in HR and HRV to gold standard methods of uroflowmetry. Objective: To describe a methodology and test feasibility of synchronous, noninvasive measurement of HR and HRV, detrusor activity, and uroflowmetry. METHODS: Equipment: the portable, wireless, continuous wave near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) instruments, Poralite and Portamon (Artinis Medical Systems), use NIR light at 785, 808, and 830 nanometers. Three optodes on each device are set at 30, 35, and 40 mm from the receiver and collect raw optical data at a sampling time of 25-100Hz. Protocol: Study subjects with and without LUTS provided data on demographics, medical history, and voiding symptoms through the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ). Subjects then wore the Portalite over the frontal cortex (HR and HRV monitoring) and the Portamon suprapubically (detrusor oxygenation monitoring). Device recording was linked synchronously to a uroflow scale. Subjects were recorded for a 1-minute pre-void baseline, during voiding, and a 1-minute post-void baseline. RESULTS: N=26 (12 controls, 14 cases) completed the protocol. Among controls versus cases, average age was 34+6 and 58+18 (p<0.01), 9 (75%) and 13 (93%) subjects were women (p=0.21), and body mass index was 27+6 and 30+5 (p=0.19). Average ICIQ score was 1.7+1.7 and 15+5.7 (p<0.01) among women and 2.3+2.1 and 12 among men. The NIRS instruments accurately monitored HR, HRV, detrusor oxygenation, and uroflowmetry in all cases. A representative measurement is seen in Figure 1. CONCLUSIONS: Synchronous, wireless monitoring of HR, HRV, detrusor activity, and uroflowmetry using non-invasive NIRS devices is feasible and generates reproducible, accurate results. This method will allow for larger scale studies using NIRS for performing noninvasive uroflowmetry and analyzing the impact of normal versus pathologic cardiovascular function on LUTS and OAB. Download PPT Source of Funding: UCLA H & H Lee Surgical Research Scholars Program © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e900 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Kyle Brian Zuniga More articles by this author Anne L. Ackerman More articles by this author Michele Torosis More articles by this author Victor Nitti More articles by this author Andrew Macnab More articles by this author Lynn Stothers More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

  PublisherDOI

• PD43-10 AGE-RELATED TRENDS IN PREVALENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACT OF LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS AMONG WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT OVERACTIVE BLADDER

  The Journal of Urology · 2024-04-15

  articleSenior author

  You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Female Pelvic Medicine: Overactive Bladder I (PD43)1 May 2024PD43-10 AGE-RELATED TRENDS IN PREVALENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACT OF LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS AMONG WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT OVERACTIVE BLADDER Kyle B. Zuniga, Crystal Cisneros, Emma Dixon, and Anne L. Ackerman Kyle B. ZunigaKyle B. Zuniga , Crystal CisnerosCrystal Cisneros , Emma DixonEmma Dixon , and Anne L. AckermanAnne L. Ackerman View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001009568.19060.25.10AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Little is known regarding age-related trends in prevalence and quality of life (QOL) impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among women with and without urinary urgency, the hallmark of overactive bladder (OAB). Objective: To examine the prevalence of LUTS among women with and without OAB and to explore the impact on QOL of these concomitant LUTS among age groups. METHODS: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey of U.S. adults obtained using the online research platform, Prolific, examined the prevalence of and bother from a wide range of genitourinary symptoms using validated questionnaires, including the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire on Female LUTS (ICIQ-fLUTS) and the Genitourinary Pain Index (GUPI). Subjects were stratified into four age quartiles: 18-30, 31-45, 45-59, and 60+. Differences in prevalence and symptom scores were explored using chi-squared tests and ANOVA as appropriate. The effect of LUTS on GUPI bother score was then examined using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: 790 women were included. Average age was 45+16 (range 18-93). There was a statistically significant increase in the rates of nocturia, urgency, and incontinence and a decrease in the rate of frequency with each age quartile. 211 (27%) women reported significant urinary urgency, defined as OAB. OAB was more common among older women (30% of 60+) than in younger women (20% of 18-30, p<0.01). Compared to women without OAB, a statistically significantly higher proportion of women with OAB endorsed having all other LUTS queried in the ICIQ, with frequency (83% vs. 68%, p<0.01), nocturia (54% vs. 26%, p<0.01), and stress incontinence (50% vs. 14%, p<0.01) being the most common. Among women with OAB, prevalence of concomitant LUTS was similar among age quartiles. Incontinence and pain conferred the greatest magnitude of bother. Younger women tended to have a greater negative QOL impact from a broader variety of LUTS (e.g., nocturia, urgency, incontinence), while pain tended to be the only symptom with a major impact on QOL among older women. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant LUTS were common among women with OAB compared to women without OAB, suggesting urgency is a harbinger of global voiding dysfunction. Additionally, degree of bother from LUTS was worse among younger patients, suggesting a different degree of distress and expectations between age groups. Querying the degree of bother from and providing treatment for concomitant LUTS among women with OAB is essential for the provision of high-quality care. Source of Funding: UCLA H & H Lee Surgical Research Scholars Program © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e902 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Kyle B. Zuniga More articles by this author Crystal Cisneros More articles by this author Emma Dixon More articles by this author Anne L. Ackerman More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

  PublisherDOI

• MP75-03 ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN TRAUMATIC LIFE EXPERIENCES AND GENITOURINARY SYMPTOMS

  The Journal of Urology · 2024-04-15 · 1 citations

  articleSenior author

  You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Female Pelvic Medicine: Non-neurogenic Voiding Dysfunction (Excluding OAB) (MP75)1 May 2024MP75-03 ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN TRAUMATIC LIFE EXPERIENCES AND GENITOURINARY SYMPTOMS Kyle B. Zuniga, Nicholas J. Jackson, and Anne L. Ackerman Kyle B. ZunigaKyle B. Zuniga , Nicholas J. JacksonNicholas J. Jackson , and Anne L. AckermanAnne L. Ackerman View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001008676.21744.5f.03AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology underlying genitourinary symptoms such as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is multifactorial. Trauma is a known risk factor for conditions like overactive bladder and interstitial cystitis. Further characterizing associations between traumatic experiences and specific genitourinary symptoms may improve treatment algorithms. Objective: To examine associations between traumatic experiences and genitourinary symptoms. METHODS: The Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network is an observational cohort with extensive data on urologic symptoms, patient demographics, and medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Baseline symptomatic features for female subjects were subdivided according to whether subjects reported various traumatic life experiences and were compared by t-tests and chi-squared tests, as appropriate. Associations between exposure to these experiences and various genitourinary symptoms were examined using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Within our cohort, 186/1,114 (17%) endorsed a traumatic sexual experience, 158/1,111 (14%) endorsed experiencing sexual violence, 310/1,120 (28%) endorsed a major family upheaval, 211/1,104 (19%) endorsed experiencing extreme illness, and 277/1,107 (25%) endorsed a major life upheaval. Subjects with a traumatic sexual experience had a higher odds of straining (OR 1.30 [1.01-1.67]), leakage with laughter (OR 1.39 [1.11-1.74]), and bladder pain (OR 1.49 [1.21-1.84]). Subjects experiencing sexual violence had a higher odds of incomplete emptying (OR 1.25 [1.01-1.56]), nocturnal incontinence (OR 1.45 [1.13-1.85]), and bladder pain (OR 1.35 [1.09-1.66]). Subjects who experienced extreme illness had a higher odds of nocturnal frequency (OR 1.19 [1.01-1.41]), weak stream (OR 1.22 [1.01-1.46]), and bladder pain (OR 1.25 [1.02-1.52]). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with a history of traumatic sexual experiences, sexual violence, and extreme illness had a higher odds of various genitourinary symptoms, with a higher odds of bladder pain being consistent among these experiences. These associations raise the possibility that there may be an inflammatory and/or psychiatric component to these symptoms that, if addressed, may result in higher quality care and improved outcomes compared to traditional interventions focused solely on symptomatic relief. Source of Funding: UCLA H & H Lee Surgical Research Scholars Program © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e1232 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Kyle B. Zuniga More articles by this author Nicholas J. Jackson More articles by this author Anne L. Ackerman More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

  PublisherDOI

• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Women from a Urologist’s Perspective

  Deleted Journal · 2023 · 4 citations

  Senior authorCorresponding
  • Medicine
  • Urology
  • Internal medicine

  Urinary tract infection (UTI) referred to microbial invasion of the urinary tract system, typically due to bacteria. UTI is more common in women than men, which is thought to be due to differences in lower urinary tract anatomy. Making a diagnosis of UTI begins with the presence of clinical symptoms consistent with either pyelonephritis and cystitis. When pyelonephritis symptoms are present, it is usually associated with bacterial infection, while the symptoms of clinical cystitis may or may not be caused by infection. As both urologic and non-urologic conditions can produce the clinical symptoms of cystitis, diagnosis of UTI requires both pyuria and bacteriuria on urine examination. Complicated UTI is when the infection is associated with either host or bacterial factors that increase the chance of reinfection and decrease treatment efficacy, such as altered organism virulence, immunocompromise, or urinary tract abnormalities. The urologist’s primary role in UTI management is to evaluate for such urinary tract abnormalities and, if needed, resolve those conditions to prevent recurrent infection. This review will describe the urologists’ evaluation and management of complicated and recurrent UTI and inform physician about the urinary tract abnormalities that can predispose to recurrent UTI.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• PD44-03 TO HYST OR NOT: CONCURRENT VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY AT TIME OF COLPOCLEISIS

  The Journal of Urology · 2022-04-07

  articleSenior author

  You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD44-03 TO HYST OR NOT: CONCURRENT VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY AT TIME OF COLPOCLEISIS Oluwarotimi Nettey, Kai Dallas, and Anne Lenore Ackerman Oluwarotimi NetteyOluwarotimi Nettey More articles by this author , Kai DallasKai Dallas More articles by this author , and Anne Lenore AckermanAnne Lenore Ackerman More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002605.03AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Colpocleisis is an obliterative vaginal procedure ideal for women with pelvic organ prolapse who are no longer sexually active or cannot tolerate more extensive reconstruction. There is significant variation in current practices surrounding colpocleisis with one survey-based study showing that 18% of surgeons perform routine hysterectomy concomitantly. It is unclear if the added risk of a vaginal hysterectomy (vascular and bowel injury, increased operative time), is exceeded by the benefit of eliminating the risk of endometrial or cervical cancer, pyometria or difficulty assessing abnormal uterine bleeding. We assessed the utility of vaginal hysterectomy at the time of colpocleisis by describing the probability of endometrial cancer and death after LeFort (uterine sparing) colpocleisis repair using a contemporary population-based dataset. METHODS: Women undergoing colpocleisis in California (2005-2019) were identified using the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) datasets. A competing risk analysis with each of three outcomes (alive, endometrial cancer, or death) was modeled for women undergoing Lefort colpocleisis. RESULTS: A total of 2707 women had colpocleisis performed, of which 381 had concomitant (14.1%) or prior hysterectomy (8.6%). Mean age at time of surgical repair was 78.6 years. Among the 2,093 women undergoing LeFort colpocleisis, 18 (0.9%) incurred an endometrial cancer diagnosis. A total of 280 (13.4%) subjects died over a mean follow up of 10.2 years. Number needed to treat (NNT) with hysterectomy to prevent 1 endometrial cancer diagnosis was 1141 at 3 years. Subsequently, NNT decreased from 283 at 5.5 years to 166 at 10-13 years. Women with endometrial cancer diagnosis lived a median difference of 2242.5 days (6.1 years) less than their counterparts without cancer. CONCLUSIONS: As previously published reports from this dataset indicate, there is an increased risk of complications when concommitant hysterectomy is performed and the benefits of hysterectomy at time of colpocleisis in women over age 70, particularly frail patients with a short overall life expectancy, are minimal. Overall rates of endometrial cancer in the setting of uterine preserving colpocleisis are low, below the published prevalence rates for similarly aged women. Concomitant hysterectomy at time of colpocleisis does not significantly reduce mortality of women at highest risk of endometrial cancer in this cohort. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e708 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Oluwarotimi Nettey More articles by this author Kai Dallas More articles by this author Anne Lenore Ackerman More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

  PublisherDOI

• MP25-03 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE URINARY MICROBIOME IN WOMEN ACROSS THE MENOPAUSAL TRANSITION

  The Journal of Urology · 2021-08-04

  articleSenior author

  You have accessJournal of UrologyInfections/Inflammation/Cystic Disease of the Genitourinary Tract: Kidney & Bladder I (MP25)1 Sep 2021MP25-03 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE URINARY MICROBIOME IN WOMEN ACROSS THE MENOPAUSAL TRANSITION Oluwarotimi Nettey, Ashley Caron, Muhammud Khalique, James Ackerman, Karyn Eilber, Jennifer Anger, and Anne Lenore Ackerman Oluwarotimi NetteyOluwarotimi Nettey More articles by this author , Ashley CaronAshley Caron More articles by this author , Muhammud KhaliqueMuhammud Khalique More articles by this author , James AckermanJames Ackerman More articles by this author , Karyn EilberKaryn Eilber More articles by this author , Jennifer AngerJennifer Anger More articles by this author , and Anne Lenore AckermanAnne Lenore Ackerman More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002022.03AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Emerging data suggest that the urinary tract harbors a diverse community of bacterial species in the absence of clinical infection. The roles of these microbes urinary homeostasis are poorly understood and alterations in their composition have been associated with various urologic conditions. We explore how the female urinary microbiome evolves with age and investigate the relationships between microbial community diversity and menopausal status among asymptomatic women. METHODS: Catheterized urinary samples were obtained from 63 asymptomatic women aged 22-92. 16S next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to characterize urinary microbial populations; alpha diversity measures captured population richness and evenness. PCoA ordination of weighted UniFrac distances for urinary samples by age and menopausal status summarized the variability between populations. Regression analyses confirmed associations of age and individual bacterial abundances. RESULTS: Bacterial diversity, including both richness and evenness, was lower in younger women and increased as a function of age. Bacterial communities in younger women are more homogenous and predominantly Lactobacilli (Fig. 1A). As women approached their late 40s, coinciding with the perimenopausal transition, the composition of the urinary microbiome transitions becomes divergent and varied. Menopausal women displayed a significant decline in the frequency and abundance of Lactobacilli (P<0.00001), increased abundance of other bacterial taxa (e.g. Anaerococcus, Enterobactriaceae, Peptinophilus), and greater interindividual diversity (Fig. 1C). CONCLUSIONS: We identified statistically significant differences with aging and menopausal status in the composition and abundance of bacteria present in the urine of asymptomatic women. Increased diversity and loss of protective Lactobacilli may be pathogenic in younger women, but physiologic in older women. In postmenopausal populations, differing susceptibilities of individuals to certain urologic pathologies may reflect divergent microbial phenotypes. Source of Funding: Urology Care Foundation Grant; Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain Network (1U01DK103260) © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e454-e454 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Oluwarotimi Nettey More articles by this author Ashley Caron More articles by this author Muhammud Khalique More articles by this author James Ackerman More articles by this author Karyn Eilber More articles by this author Jennifer Anger More articles by this author Anne Lenore Ackerman More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

  PublisherDOI

• Writing in the Margins of Sexual Function Questionnaires: A Qualitative Analysis of Data from Women with Pelvic Floor Disorders

  The Journal of Sexual Medicine · 2020 · 4 citations

  • Psychology
  • Clinical psychology
  • Developmental psychology

  BACKGROUND: The impact of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) on female sexual function is not well understood, partly due to difficulties in measurement and evaluation. AIM: We sought to assess how women with PFDs respond to sexual function questionnaires through an analysis of survey marginalia, or the comments written in the margins of fixed-choice surveys. METHODS: 94 women with PFDs completed validated written sexual function questionnaires (Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors survey, Female Sexual Function Index, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, International Urogynecological Association-Revised). Marginalia, or the additions, eliminations, and changes subjects made (by hand) to survey items, were collected. Data were coded and analyzed qualitatively using grounded theory methodology. OUTCOMES: Themes and emergent concepts related to the content of survey marginalia were the primary outcomes of this study. RESULTS: We observed 177 instances of marginalia across all questionnaires. Qualitative analysis revealed 7 preliminary themes and 2 emergent concepts. Preliminary themes included partner-related topics, loss, problems during intercourse, emotional problems, other medical problems, and survey answer choices failing to capture the spectrum of patient experiences. Emergent concepts revealed highly diverse sexual function in this population and a wide range of factors that influence sexual function. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Conducting qualitative studies alongside sexual function questionnaires can allow for a more meaningful assessment of the sexual function of women with various underlying conditions, such as PFDs. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first study of its kind to analyze survey marginalia from sexual function questionnaires among women with PFDs. The limitations of this study include the inherently spontaneous nature of marginalia data. In addition, the ways in which study participants responded to sexual function questionnaires in our study may not be reflective of all potential subjects. CONCLUSION: Analysis of survey marginalia from sexual function questionnaires amongst women with PFDs revealed new information regarding patients' histories, concerns, and thoughts. Over half of the women in this study felt the need to expand, explain, or eliminate responses from the questionnaires. Many subjects were no longer sexually active, which accounted for a large majority of participants leaving questions blank or responding with "N/A." Standard sexual evaluation tools may fail to capture the complexity, spectrum, and depth and breadth of patient experiences. Parameshwar PS, Borok J, Jung E, et al. Writing in the Margins of Sexual Function Questionnaires: A Qualitative Analysis of Data From Women With Pelvic Floor Disorders. J Sex Med 2020;17:1705-1714.

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• NIH Grant F31AI010347

  NIH · $174k · 2004

Frequent coauthors

• Peter Cresswell

  Yale University

  30 shared

• Alessandra Giodini

  Institut Pasteur

  12 shared

• Jennifer T. Anger

  University of California, San Diego

  11 shared

• Karyn S. Eilber

  11 shared

• Robert Tampé

  Goethe University Frankfurt

  11 shared

• Christoph Kyritsis

  Goethe University Frankfurt

  11 shared

• Pooja S. Parameshwar

  University of Utah

  10 shared

• Eric E. Jung

  9 shared

Labs

• Center for Women's Pelvic Health at UCLAPI

Awards & honors

• Southern California Rising Stars, Super Doctors® (2023)
• Top Doctors, Los Angeles Magazine (2023)