Investigation of Global Interest Trends in Incontinence Treatment Modalities: A Google Trends-Based Analysis

AKDERE H1, TOZSIN A1, AKGUL B1, IBRAHIM M1, GUVEN S2, AHMED K3

Research Type

Clinical

Abstract Category

Female Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

Abstract 589
Open Discussion ePosters
Scientific Open Discussion Session 105
Friday 19th September 2025
13:20 - 13:25 (ePoster Station 5)
Exhibition
Incontinence Stress Urinary Incontinence Surgery
1. Department of Urology, Trakya University School of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey, 2. Department of Urology, Meram School of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey., 3. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ; Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ; MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, Urology, London, United Kingdom
Presenter
K

Kamran AHMED
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ; Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ; MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College London, Urology, London, United Kingdom
Links

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study 
This study examined and compared the popularity trends of 8 different ıncontinence treatment modalities using Google Trends analysis data between 2004 and 2025 worldwide.
Study design, materials and methods 
Search volume data between January 2004 and January 2025 were collected for eight incontinence treatment modalities: pelvic floor exercise (PFE), artificial urinary sphincter (AUS), transobturator tape (TOT), Burch colposuspension, mid-urethral sling (MUS), anterior colporrhaphy, tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), and pubovaginal sling (PVS). A linear regression model was applied to assess the trend significance over time for each modality. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate inter-relationships between trends.
Results 
The most prominent upward trend was observed in PFE (R² = 0.675, β = 218, F = 523.41, p < 0.001), followed by anterior colporrhaphy (R² = 0.604, β = 47, F = 387.45, p < 0.001) and MUS (R² = 0.582, β = 0.02, F = 354.12, p < 0.001). AUS and Burch colposuspension also demonstrated significant increases (R² = 0.345, β = 22, F = 133.97, p < 0.001; and R² = 0.052, β = 15, F = 13.88, p = 0.002, respectively). In contrast, declining trends were noted for TOT (R² = 0.168, β = -28, F = 51.97, p < 0.001), TVT (R² = 0.073, β = -21, F = 20.12, p < 0.001), and PVS (R² = 0.123, β = -52, F = 35.48, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed no strong associations (|r| > 0.7) between modalities, indicating that search behaviors evolved independently across treatments.
Interpretation of results 
These results indicate a shift toward non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments, with increasing interest in pelvic floor exercises and sustained relevance of anterior colporrhaphy and mid-urethral slings. Declining interest in TOT, TVT, and PVS reflects changing clinical preferences. The weak correlation between modalities suggests varying levels of awareness and engagement.
Concluding message 
Our study reveals a growing global interest in modern, non-invasive, and minimally invasive treatments. These insights can inform policy, optimize resource allocation, and refine clinical guidelines.
Figure 1 Figure 1. Relative search volume of incontinence treatment modalities from 2010 to the end of 2024 and polynomial time trend curves for each modality are shown.
Figure 2 Table 1. Linear regression analysis for each treatment modality between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2024. This analysis shows the trend change of the search term over time. P < .05 indicates a statistically significant trend from 2010 to 2024. A posi
Disclosures
Funding NONE Clinical Trial No Subjects None
16/07/2025 16:20:47