Shaping the future of urogynecology through regenerative medicine

The etiology of urogynecologic conditions is multifactorial and complex. However, the inability of the host pelvic tissues to repair and regain their original function in response to various insults, including maternal birth injury or age-related changes in the endogenous regenerative potential, underlies the pathophysiology of the morbid pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Regenerative medicine approaches are poised to not only treat but potentially prevent the development of these deleterious conditions, the prevalence of which continues to increase. We aim to highlight the existent work at the crossroads of urogynecology and regenerative medicine and to underscore areas in need for continued and novel investigations.

Regenerative medicine techniques, including stem cell therapies, extracellular vesicles, secretomes, platelet-rich plasma, laser-based interventions, and bioinductive acellular scaffolds, are being studied in the context of urogynecology, with many showing promise in revolutionizing prevention and treatment of PFDs by enhancing constructive tissue repair.

Regenerative medicine techniques hold the key to changing the clinical paradigm in Urogynecology from reactive to preventive.