Gynecology

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Menopause management therapy
• Minimally invasive surgery, including single-incision laparoscopic surgery
• Pelvic disorder treatment
• Pelvic health exams
• Reproductive system health screenings

The pelvic floor is the collective term that refers to the muscles, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves of the lower abdomen. It supports the uterus, bladder, rectum and other organs in the pelvis.

The pelvic floor plays an important role in making the organs function properly and keeping them in their proper places. It is also responsible for controlling continence and signaling the bladder, rectum and colon when it’s time to use the restroom. For many women, however, the pelvic floor does not function as well as it should.

Our gynecologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. They offer both noninvasive treatments and minimally invasive surgeries and will work with you to determine the most effective treatment to restore your pelvic health.

Pelvic floor disorders occur when the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues have stretched, weakened or torn. These changes may be caused by:

• Aging
• Being overweight
• Chronic cough (such as coughing that occurs with bronchitis)
• Injury
• Lack of exercise
• Pregnancy and childbirth

It's possible to have more than one type of pelvic floor disorder, but our gynecologists and OB/GYNs have experience treating them all, including:

• Fecal incontinence — Fecal incontinence is the loss of control over the bowels. This condition ranges from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control. The muscle or nerve damage can be associated with aging or giving birth.
• Female sexual dysfunction — Recurrent problems during any phase of the sexual response cycle (i.e., excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution) that cause distress or negative effects are referred to as "sexual dysfunction." Some of these problems, like pain during intercourse and vaginal dryness, are often related to pelvic floor disorders.
• Overflow incontinence — With this condition, the bladder doesn’t empty when it should, and a frequent dribbling of urine can occur.
• Pelvic pain — This can be any pain located in the area between the belly button and hips. It can be dull or sharp, constant or irregular. If it lasts for six months or longer, it is called "chronic pelvic pain."
• Pelvic prolapse and incomplete pelvic prolapse — The uterus is held in position by pelvic muscles, ligaments and other tissues. If the uterus drops out of its normal position, this is called "prolapse." Complete prolapse occurs when the uterus slips to such a degree that some uterine tissue is outside the vagina. Incomplete prolapse occurs when the uterus partially slips out of the vagina, creating a noticeable lump or bulge.
• Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) — With this condition, urine leaks out of the bladder when physical movement or activities, such as coughing, sneezing, running or heavy lifting, put stress or pressure on the bladder.
• Urge incontinence — People experiencing this condition have a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. This condition is also referred to as "overactive bladder" and can be caused by conditions such as an infection, a neurological disorder or diabetes.

Depending on the type of pelvic floor disorder you have, our gynecologists and OB/GYNs may recommend:

• Lifestyle changes — Smoking can damage the bladder and urethra and excess weight puts extra pressure on pelvic floor muscles. We offer assistance with and access to smoking cessation and weight loss programs.
• Medication — Medications are mainly prescribed to patients experiencing urge incontinence. They can also be effective in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.
• Physical therapy — If practiced on a regular basis, pelvic exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and offer patients stronger pelvic muscles, reduced urinary incontinence and increased pleasure with sexual activity.
• Surgery — There are several surgical procedures for the various types of incontinence. These procedures are generally reserved for people who have tried conservative treatments without success and are healthy enough to undergo surgery.