Anal Incontinence (AI) is the inability to reach the toilet in time or control flatus. One in five women develop AI in the first five years after having a vaginal birth. The timing of onset varies; some women having AI early after childbirth, whilst many develop symptoms during the menopause. AI has a significant negative impact on a woman’s quality of life with undesirable effects on her psychosocial and emotional wellbeing. The main barrier for women accessing treatment is a lack of education on AI both for women and health care professionals.

Aims

• Explore perspectives and experiences of women who experience AI within seven years after giving birth, or at their menopause.
• Develop an online resource to meet the information and support needs of women
• Uncover key facilitators and barriers to identification, support and treatment of AI by GPs, to inform development of an e-Learning education resource

Funded by:	NIHR Research for Patient Benefit
Research team members:	Dr Sarah Hillman (PI), Professor Debra Bick, Professor Kate Seers, Dr Abi Eccles, Dr Jo Parsons, Mrs Helen McGowan
Collaborators:	MASIC FoundationLink opens in a new window
Dates:	September 2021 to end of March 2023

Enquiries:

Dr Sarah Hillman

s dot hillman at warwick dot ac dot uk