Pelvic Health
For many, pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) like incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse seem like untreatable and embarrassing conditions, forcing individuals to suffer through irregular bladder, bowel and vaginal function. Our teams of urologists and urogynecologists are experts in treating pelvic conditions, helping improve the quality of life of countless patients.
The pelvic floor supports many muscles and organs, including your bladder, rectum, and reproductive system. When this support weakens, either through age, pressure, or childbirth, conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, fistulas, bladder and bowel disorders can occur.
Symptoms vary, as well. You may feel pelvic pressure, pain, or heaviness. Some women also experience urinary incontinence (leakage when you laugh, sneeze, or cough) or an overactive bladder that necessitates frequent trips to the bathroom. Others experience loss of bowel control.
We understand that pelvic floor disorders are uncomfortable and sensitive conditions. This is why our PFD specialists intentionally provide trusting care in a supportive environment. They partner with you to create a treatment plan customized to your specific condition and reflective of your needs.
If you're experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction or seeking specialized care for pelvic health concerns, a urogynecologist can provide the expertise and support you need.
What kind of training does a urogynecologist have?
A urogynecologist, whether an OB/GYN or urologist, undergoes an additional two to three years of highly specialized training focused on conditions impacting the female pelvic floor.
When should you see a urogynecologist?
While primary care physicians, OB/GYNs or urologists may have knowledge about PFDs, a urogynecologist offers additional expertise. You should see a urogynecologist if you are experiencing issues related to the female pelvic floor, such as urinary leakage, pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, recurrent urinary tract infections, vaginal atrophy, accidental bowel leakage, urinary retention, or maternal complications of childbirth. Urogynecologists are specifically trained to address these conditions and provide comprehensive care.
By combining a range of traditional, laparoscopic and robot-assisted treatments, our experts provide the latest procedures to treat:
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Anterior vaginal wall prolapse (cystocele)
- Posterior vaginal wall prolapse (rectocele)
- Apical prolapse (vaginal vault prolapse)
- Rectal prolapse
- Bladder disorders
- Stress incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Recurring urinary tract infections
- Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
- Bowel control disorders
- Fecal incontinence
- Constipation
- Fistulas
Through minimally invasive, laparoscopic and robotics-assisted procedures, our pelvic health specialists provide precise and accurate diagnoses and treatments. These allow for faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and a reduced risk of injury.
Surgeries and treatments for pelvic floor disorders include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications
- Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)
- Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)
- Intravesical botulinum toxin (Botox™) injections
- Pessary devices
- Biofeedback therapy
- Urethral and anal bulking
- Mid-urethral slings
- Sacral neuromodulation (SNM)
- Sphincteroplasty
We are committed to helping you find lasting relief from PFDs, restoring comfort and confidence to your daily life.
You don’t have to live with it.
There are many reasons for pelvic floor disorders, including childbirth, weight gain, hormonal changes during menopause, family history, or simply aging. If you check “yes” to any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment today for a formal evaluation. Our expert treatment can make life easier.
1. During the last three months, did you leak urine (check “yes” to all that apply):
- When you were performing some physical activity, such as coughing, sneezing, lifting, or exercise? (Yes / No)
- When you had the urge or feeling that you needed to empty your bladder, but you could not get to the toilet fast enough? (Yes / No)
- Without physical activity and without a sense of urgency? (Yes / No)
2. Do you:
- Have a sensation that there is a bulge in your vagina or that something is falling out from your vagina? (Yes / No)
- Have the feeling of a bulge in the vaginal area that makes it difficult to have sexual relations? (Yes / No)
- Wear liners, pads, diapers, or toilet paper, or do you change your undergarments to protect your clothes from loss of urine or stool? (Yes / No)
- Lose stool beyond your control? (Yes / No)
- Worry that you may leak urine, stool or gas during sexual relations? (Yes / No)
Doctors Specializing in Pelvic Health
At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
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