Urogynecology (Pelvic Medicine)
Treating urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and more.
Regain control of your pelvic health.
If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapses, or other pelvic floor disorders, you are not alone. These conditions affect millions of women of all ages, often leading to embarrassment and a significant impact on quality of life. At St. Luke's University Health Network, we believe you deserve to live life to the fullest. Our specialized Urogynecology services, also known as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, offer advanced diagnosis and effective treatments to help you regain control and improve your well-being. Our expert team is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to women in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities.
Understanding pelvic floor disorders
Pelvic floor disorders occur when the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs weaken or are damaged. These conditions can result from various factors, including childbirth, aging, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Many women mistakenly believe these symptoms are a normal consequence of childbirth or aging and often feel too embarrassed to discuss them. However, pelvic floor disorders are treatable, and you don't have to suffer in silence.
Common pelvic floor conditions we treat
- Urinary incontinence: The involuntary leakage of urine, ranging from occasional drips to complete loss of bladder control. This can include stress incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing) and urge incontinence (sudden, strong need to urinate).
- Pelvic organ prolapse (POP): Occurs when pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) drop from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. This can cause a feeling of pressure, discomfort, or a bulge.
- Fecal incontinence: The involuntary leakage of stool or gas.
- Pelvic pain: Chronic pain in the pelvic region.
- Overactive bladder: Frequent and sudden urges to urinate that may be difficult to control.
Risk factors for pelvic floor damage
Research indicates several key factors can increase the risk of pelvic floor damage, particularly for women who deliver vaginally:
- Older age of the mother: The risk increases with age.
- Larger weight of the baby: Larger babies can put more strain on the pelvic floor.
- The number of vaginal births: Multiple vaginal deliveries can increase cumulative damage.
- Longer second stage of labor: Extended pushing during childbirth.
- Forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery: These interventions can sometimes lead to increased trauma.
- Episiotomy: A surgical cut made in the perineum during childbirth.
Sometimes women believe pelvic floor disorder symptoms are just a normal consequence of childbirth or a normal part of aging. Often women are 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.
Our comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment
At St. Luke's, our urogynecologists evaluate all the structures and systems of the female pelvis, including organs, nerves, ligaments, muscles, and blood vessels. We offer a personalized approach, starting with a thorough evaluation to understand your unique symptoms and concerns. Based on this assessment, we will schedule your appointment with the most appropriate specialist. Our advanced diagnostic testing for pelvic health includes:
- Complex bladder testing (urodynamics): Measures bladder and urethral functions to identify the cause and type of urinary incontinence.
- Anal manometry: Measures rectal function and sphincter strength for fecal incontinence.
- Anal ultrasound: Provides detailed images of the anal sphincter muscle, crucial for bowel and gas control.
Tailored physical therapy for pelvic health
Our treatment plans are comprehensive and may include both conservative and advanced options. St. Luke’s physical therapists, specifically trained in pelvic floor disorders, work in tandem with our pelvic medicine physicians. They provide specialized care for leakage, pelvic pain, and other related issues. Services include pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback & electrical stimulation therapy, fluid & dietary management, bladder retraining, medications, and bladder instillation treatments.
Minimally invasive procedures:
When conservative treatments are not sufficient, our specialists offer a range of advanced, minimally invasive surgical options, including:
- PROLIFT: A mesh procedure for pelvic floor repair.
- TVT tension-free support: An innovative corrective procedure for urinary incontinence.
- InterStim® therapy: A neuromodulation therapy for urinary control.
- Procedures for fecal incontinence: Advanced surgical solutions to restore bowel control.
Frequently asked questions about urogynecology
Urogynecology, now often referred to as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the female pelvic floor, including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other bladder, bowel, and reproductive organ issues.
While common, pelvic floor disorder symptoms are never a "normal" part of childbirth or aging. Effective treatments are available, and you should not hesitate to seek help from a specialist.
Treatment options for urinary incontinence range from conservative approaches like pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback, and lifestyle modifications to medication therapy and minimally invasive surgical procedures. Your specialist will recommend the best approach based on your specific condition.
St. Luke's physical therapists are specially trained in pelvic floor disorders. They provide targeted exercises, biofeedback, and education to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improve bladder and bowel control, and alleviate pelvic pain.
You should consider seeing a urogynecologist if you experience symptoms such as involuntary urine leakage, a feeling of pressure or a bulge in the vagina, difficulty with bowel control, or chronic pelvic pain. Early evaluation can lead to more effective treatment.
Find a urogynecologist or pelvic health specialist
Don't let pelvic floor disorders limit your life. Schedule a confidential consultation with a St. Luke's urogynecologist or pelvic health specialist today. Call 484-526-8600 or visit our online physician finder to connect with an expert dedicated to your well-being.