Urogynecology (Pelvic Medicine)
Live life to the fullest again.
Regain control through treatment for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
About one-quarter of all women experience a pelvic floor disorder, whether it’s stress urinary incontinence or a bladder issue. Yet many women are too embarrassed to seek help. If laughing, coughing and sneezing is causing “accidents,” it’s time to find a urogynecologist who will listen to your concerns and work with you to restore your comfort and freedom.
St. Luke’s provides expert urogynecology care, along with physical therapy programs designed specifically to improve pelvic floor strength and function. Our pelvic medicine specialists offer leading-edge treatments and minimally invasive surgical procedures as well as counseling, medication and in-office procedures. In addition, St. Luke’s physical therapists work in tandem with our pelvic medicine physicians and are specifically trained in pelvic floor disorders (leakage, pelvic pain, etc.). Click here for more information about St. Luke’s Pelvic Health Physical Therapy.
Urogynecology Conditions We Treat
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Urinary and bowel incontinence
- Overactive bladder (urinary urgency, frequency, and waking up to urinate)
- Urinary retention / sensation of incomplete urination
- Childbirth-related pelvic floor injury
- Constipation
- Urethral diverticula
- Vaginal fistulas
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
Who is at risk?
About 40 percent of women who give birth vaginally will develop one or more of the conditions collectively known as pelvic floor disorders. Several key factors raise their risk including:
- Older age of the mother
- Larger weight of the baby
- The number of vaginal births
- Longer second stage of labor (the time spent “pushing”)
- Forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery
- Episiotomy (a surgical cut made in the perineum during childbirth)
Testing for pelvic health
- Complex bladder testing (urodynamics) to measure bladder and urethral functions
- Anal manometry to measure rectal function
- Anal ultrasound images the anal sphincter muscle involved in bowel and gas control
Therapy for pelvic health
- Pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and decrease bladder and bowel urgency
- Biofeedback and electrical stimulation therapy to help patients to find and effectively work their pelvic floor muscles
- Fluid and dietary management
- Bladder retraining or scheduled voids
- Medication therapy
- Bladder instillation treatments
Click here for more information about St. Luke’s Pelvic Health Physical Therapy.
Minimally invasive procedures that may be a treatment option:
- PROLIFT, a revolutionary mesh procedure for pelvic floor repair
- TVT tension-free support, an innovative corrective procedure for incontinence
- InterStim® therapy for urinary control
- Axonics® - a tiny device that works like a pacemaker for the bladder, allowing women to regain bladder control
- Procedures to treat fecal incontinence… and more
Many times, women believe pelvic floor disorder symptoms are a normal consequence of childbirth or a normal part of aging. Women are often too embarrassed to mention these problems to their doctor. The truth is that pelvic floor disorder symptoms, although common, are never a “normal” part of childbirth or aging. Let us help improve your quality of life.
Your health matters: find the right gynecologist.
Navigating your health journey can feel overwhelming, but finding a compassionate gynecologist shouldn’t be. Whether you’re looking for routine check-ups, specialized breast health services, or support through life’s changes, we’re here to help you connect with a dedicated provider who understands your needs.