Urogynecology
About
Talk to us. We’re here to listen.
We care about women's health and specialize in treating women with pelvic floor disorders. We know how limiting it can be for women and we know how great it feels when it is fixed. We pride ourselves in offering treatments that work and work for you. Our providers specialize in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and diagnose and treat Urinary Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Pelvic Floor Disorders, Fistulas, Childbirth Injury, Fecal Incontinence, Vaginal Childbirth Trauma, and Bowel Control Issues.
Our goal is to empower our patients through education and by raising women’s awareness of the effective conservative and more advanced treatment options available to them.
A wide range of evidence-based treatments including minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, sling surgery, vaginal surgery, abdominal surgery, extensive conservative options, medications, and office-based procedures are available for these conditions. By finding a treatment choice that is right for you, we will work to make a positive difference in your quality of life and get you back to the life you enjoy.
What is a Urogynecologist?
A urogynecologist has completed obstetrics/gynecology training and has further focused on the care of women with pelvic floor disorders. The pelvic floor includes the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support and control the uterus, vagina, bladder, and rectum. The pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease or surgery. Learn more.
Team
Our physicians have advanced, post-residency training and are board certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (also known as Urogynecology) so they understand and can optimally treat these complex conditions. They specialize in robotic surgery, sling surgery, vaginal surgery, and open surgery. They are able to perform surgeries with and without mesh and tailor each surgery to the individual’s needs after thoroughly discussing all options. They also have close relationships with physicians in other disciplines if a combined operation is indicated. The nurse practitioner in our practice holds national board certification in Women’s Health and has extensive training in non-surgical treatments for pelvic floor disorders. Additionally, she runs our Conservative Management Program.
Together, we have created a team to help women who are bothered by these private and often debilitating conditions- conditions that rob women of the ability and desire to stay active and healthy.
Meet Our Providers:
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Urinary Incontinence
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Native Tissue Reconstructive Surgery
- Childbirth Injury Repair
- Conservative Non-Surgical Management of Overactive Bladder
- Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) for Overactive Bladder
- Urinary Incontinence
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Pessary Fitting/Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Urinary Incontinence
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Fistulas
- Child Birth Injury
- Surgical and Non-surgical Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse, including Uterine Prolapse, Rectocele, Cystocele, and Enterocele
- Minimally Invasive & Robotic Gynecologic Surgery
- Treatment & Management of Urinary & Fecal Incontinence
- Surgical Treatment of Vesicovaginal & Rectovaginal Fistula
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Urinary Incontinence
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Vaginal Surgery
- Fecal Incontinence
- Urinary Incontinence
- Overactive Bladder
- Pessary Care for Prolapse and Stress Incontinence
- Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)
- Surgical Assistance
- Urinary Incontinence (Stress, Urge, Mixed)
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)
- Surgical Assistance
- Pessary Care for Prolapse and Stress Incontinence
- Urinary Incontinence
- Overactive Bladder
- Pessary Care for Prolapse and Stress Incontinence
- Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)
Conditions & Procedures
We commonly diagnose and treat women with urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Please see the additional links below for additional diagnoses and treatment information.
Health Info
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some questions that we are frequently asked.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Over time, surgical incisions have gotten smaller and smaller. A smaller abdominal incision is associated with less pain. We perform minimally invasive surgeries with the aid of a Da Vinci robot. This allows us to use several small incisions rather than one large incision. This type of surgery is associated with less pain, a shorter recovery and healing period as well as less blood loss and scarring.
What is vaginal surgery?
Vaginal surgery is done through a vaginal incision. With this type of surgery, there is no incision on the abdomen. It is a less painful surgical route. Surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence can be done through a vaginal incision. A vaginal mesh may or may not be used, based on patient preference. Hysterectomies can be done through a vaginal incision.
What is the best treatment option for me?
There is no universal “best” treatment option. We work to help you pick the treatment that suits you best. We will work to help you identify your treatment goals and work towards those goals together.
What can you tell me about surgical mesh?
Mesh has been used in surgery for decades. How the mesh is placed and where the mesh is used, as well as the specific type of mesh, impacts the complication rate. All mesh is associated with an erosion rate but this rate is usually quite low (around 5%). A mesh sling surgery is currently considered to be the gold standard surgery. Mesh placed to treat prolapse through an abdominal incision or robotically has a low complication rate. See more information on voicesforpfd.org
Recommended Links
Educating yourself about your diagnosis and treatment options is important. Browse through the following urogynecology resources which provide excellent information to help you.
- What is Urodynamic Testing?
Resource Websites
National Association for Continence: This is the website of the National Association for Continence. It has lots of good information about urinary and fecal incontinence, treatments, etc. There is also some information on pelvic organ prolapse.
Voices for PFD: This is a website by the American Urogynecologic Society. It also has information on urinary and fecal incontinence as well as prolapse.
Urinary Incontinence in Women: This is a website supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on urinary incontinence.
Fecal Incontinence: This is a website supported by the NIH on fecal incontinence.
Recommended Reading
Women’s Waterworks: Curing Incontinence
by Pauline Chiarelli This is a small, fun to read and informative book that is a great initial reference on female incontinence. Dr. Chiarelli, a physical therapist, focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor and the disorders that happen when the muscles are weak. She briefly discusses causes of incontinence, testing, and other treatments, including medication and surgery.
Urinary Incontinence Sourcebook
by Diana Kaschak NewmanComplete source from a noted nurse expert on the normal functions of the bladder and urinary tract, the common causes, and types of urinary incontinence, preventive measures, and treatment options including medications and surgery.
The Incontinence Solution: Answers for Women of All Ages
by Dr. William H. Parker, Dr. Amy E. Rosenman, and Rachel ParkerThe authors discuss the controversial links between childbearing and incontinence, describe diagnostic testing, discuss non-surgical treatment, and surgical treatments.