Despite remarkable advancements in medical science over recent decades, the field of pelvic health remains significantly underserved. Many underlying pathologies that affect pelvic well-being continue to be poorly understood, leading to detrimental effects on individuals’ overall quality of life. A considerable number of patients suffer from pelvic pain and dysfunction, yet the exact causes often evade medical professionals, resulting in frustration as patients seek answers from multiple specialists, often without resolution.

The pelvic region encompasses several essential organs, including the lower urinary tract, which is crucial for the regulation of urination, and reproductive organs that serve vital roles in both sexual health and reproduction. Furthermore, the lower gastrointestinal tract, comprising the sigmoid colon, rectum, and anal sphincter, resides in this area, meaning that any pathology affecting the pelvis can disrupt one or more of these critical functions simultaneously.

The autonomic regulation of these pelvic functions is concentrated within the pelvic region, which contains a complex network of nerves responsible for overseeing defecation, urinary voiding, and sexual function. The voluntary control of these pelvic organs is frequently complicated by pain, and the pelvic area is uniquely characterized by its independent autonomic regulation, primarily centered in the sacral region.

The intricate anatomy and neuroanatomy of pelvic organs, coupled with the complex physiological interactions among the urinary, reproductive, and defecatory systems, present significant challenges for researchers striving to understand the underlying pathologies. Dr. Shakiba, a double board-certified gynecologist and urogynecologist, has devoted over 25 years to treating patients grappling with misunderstood pelvic floor dysfunction and pain. After completing his rigorous training at prestigious institutions such as New Haven Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, he joined a private practice in New Jersey in 2007.

Initially, like many physicians, Dr. Shakiba focused primarily on patient care, adhering closely to the latest clinical practice guidelines related to pelvic health. However, he soon became acutely aware that numerous women were enduring severe pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction, often without clear explanations. He realized that answers to many pelvic floor-related symptoms affecting millions of women daily remain ambiguous or entirely unknown. For example, the reasons behind severe pelvic pain often accompanying gastrointestinal issues and lower urinary tract dysfunction are still not well understood. Additionally, the prevalence of painful and heavy menstrual bleeding in some women from a young age, while others remain unaffected, raises further questions. Approximately 40% of women face infertility of unknown origin, and despite advances in medical science, the causes of severe nausea during pregnancy and the occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence after childbirth remain elusive.

Dr. Shakiba also encountered various syndromes associated with the pelvic area, including Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, Painful Bladder Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis), and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, for which no definitive etiology or treatment protocols exist. These conditions often bear complex names but lack practical explanations, prompting him to question the effectiveness of current diagnostic and treatment methods, which primarily focus on alleviating symptoms rather than addressing root causes.

In his practice, Dr. Shakiba frequently observed that patients would consult a range of specialists—urologists, gastroenterologists, pelvic physical therapists, and pain management experts—without anyone identifying a common cause for their multiple pelvic issues. Unfortunately, many patients were referred to psychologists due to a lack of understanding of pelvic floor pathology, compounding their frustrations and leading to feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and depression.

This situation raised a critical question: did mental health issues contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, or was it a poor understanding of pelvic pathologies and a lack of proactive care that led to mental health challenges? It became evident that a significant gap existed in addressing these intertwined concerns.

In 2010, Dr. Shakiba established his own private practice focused on women’s pelvic surgery in Hackensack, New Jersey. His passion for innovation and exploration, combined with a strong academic background and expertise in minimally invasive surgery utilizing advanced robotic technology, has driven him to delve deeper into understanding the unknowns of pelvic health to better assist countless frustrated women. He became an academic member of Hackensack University Medical Center in 2010, where he has been involved in training medical students and residents. In 2014, he was appointed the division director of urogynecology and pelvic reconstructive surgery within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Recognizing that pelvic nerves had been overlooked in public healthcare, Dr. Shakiba began studying and conducting research on pelvic nerve neuropathy and neuroinflammation in 2014. By managing patients in his practice with a focus on neuroinflammation, he revolutionized his approach to pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain, applying both surgical and conservative methods.

Dr. Shakiba has emerged as one of the world’s leading experts in the surgical and medical management of various pelvic nerve conditions, such as pudendal neuralgia. He is pioneering the exploration of the trajectory of the pudendal nerve within Alcock’s canal using laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Having performed thousands of surgeries addressing complex pelvic nerve-related conditions, which involve a variety of pelvic nerves including the inferior hypogastric plexus, pudendal nerve, sciatica, and obturator nerve, his innovative methods have transformed the lives of thousands of women.

To further advance research in this area, Dr. Shakiba has developed and invented numerous diagnostic tools, apps, and medications aimed at enhancing the understanding of pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain. The Pelvic Quest app project exemplifies his commitment to meticulous data collection before and after any medical or surgical intervention, allowing for continuous monitoring of outcomes and improving the quality of ongoing research. This app will also assist millions of women in diagnosing conditions like endometriosis and other causes of pelvic inflammation much earlier, guiding them to the appropriate medical experts for their health conditions as soon as possible. Early detection of conditions such as endometriosis could prevent the progressive inflammatory damage associated with this debilitating disease, ultimately benefiting millions of young women.

Another testament to Dr. Shakiba’s dedication to research is the Electronic POP-Q project, which he developed for the early detection and continuous monitoring of pelvic organ prolapse. This innovative machine provides electronic measurements of pelvic organ prolapse in women, significantly enhancing future research efforts aimed at understanding the progression of this common condition.

By utilizing these groundbreaking diagnostic tools, alongside his extensive knowledge of pelvic anatomy and physiology, and his exceptional skills in performing minimally invasive robotic surgeries in challenging pelvic areas, Dr. Shakiba has positioned himself as a leading authority in the ongoing research related to pelvic nerve function in women, contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain.

He remains committed to advancing research and development in this underserved area of women’s health. On this challenging journey to assist millions of women suffering from pelvic pain and dysfunction, he is eager to receive support from organizations involved in women’s health, including financial backing to help uncover the many unknowns surrounding women’s pelvic health.