Session Description:
Continence and sexual health are crucial but often overlooked parts of urological and pelvic floor care, especially in the culturally rich and evolving landscape of the Middle East. This ICS Spotlight On session brings together local and international experts to shed light on the current state of care, discuss ongoing challenges, and explore culturally mindful ways to address incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
Led by Professor Sakineh Hajebrahimi (Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran), the session opens with an overview of incontinence in the developing world from Dr. Hadi Mostafaei (Medical University of Vienna, Austria), providing both a global and regional perspective. Professor Farzaneh Sharifi-Aghdas (Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran) will examine the clinical and systemic barriers to continence care, while Dr. Mehri Mehad (Tehran, Iran) will highlight the complexities of managing sexual dysfunction, with special attention to gender sensitivity and women’s health.
This session offers grounded, practical solutions and aims to spark meaningful dialogue on improving pelvic health in the Middle East and globally.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the scale and impact of incontinence in the developing world.
• Identify regional challenges in diagnosing and treating continence and sexual health issues.
• Explore culturally respectful approaches to improve patient communication, access to care, and outcomes.

Speakers:
• Dr. Hadi Mostafaei – Medical University of Vienna, Austria
• Professor Farzaneh Sharifi-Aghdas – Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
• Dr. Mehri Mehad – Urologist, Tehran, Iran

Target Audience:
Urologists, urogynecologists, pelvic floor specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, sexual health professionals, researchers, and global health policymakers.