Pelvic Health

Our team can diagnose and treat a range of pelvic health issues. Many of these conditions are caused by pelvic floor weakness, which is a common problem in women.

The pelvic floor includes muscles, nerves and tissue that support your pelvic organs. These organs include the bladder, rectum and vagina. When the pelvic floor is weak, the pelvic organs may not work correctly. Surgery, medicine, weight changes and having a baby can all weaken your pelvic floor.

When you meet with our team, we will start with an exam and review your symptoms. You will likely need other tests to help us with your diagnosis. The tests you need will depend on your symptoms.

These tests may include:

Pelvic ultrasound. These tests use high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of tissue inside the pelvic area. During an ultrasound, a member of your care team will insert a lubricated device called a transducer into your pelvis to create the images.

Pelvic exam. This exam is used to check a woman’s reproductive organs. During the exam, your doctor will look for anything unusual in the vulva, vagina, cervix and uterus. Your doctor will use a device called a speculum to open your vaginal walls and to see the vagina and cervix. Your doctor will also insert lubricated fingers into your vagina and gently press on your lower belly to feel for any usual growths or painful areas.

Urodynamics. This is a series of tests that determine how well your bladder, urethra and sphincters work. These tests look at bladder sensation, bladder capacity, urethra strength and how fast or slow your bladder can drain urine.

Once our team determines your diagnosis, we will develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.

Many pelvic health problems can be treated with non-surgical therapies. We also have access to the latest minimally invasive surgeries. Treatments may include:

• Pessary. This is a device that is placed inside the vagina to support the pelvic muscles.
• Behavioral and lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, weight loss and bladder training.
• Exercise, such as pelvic muscle exercises, also called Kegel exercises.
• Bulking agents. These are materials, such as collagen, that your doctor will inject into your pelvis to help strengthen tissue.
• Stimulating the sacral nerve (neuromodulation). This treatment uses electrical pulses to help stimulate nerves that control the bladder.
• Minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic or robotic surgery. This may include sling procedures, which use tissue or mesh to support the urethra or bladder neck.