Urogynecology
Live life to the fullest again.
Regain control through treatment for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
If you suffer from urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) or pelvic organ prolapse, you are not alone. This problem occurs in women of all ages. Sadly, many women try to hide the problem and limit their lives because they are not aware that urinary incontinence and prolapse can be treated very effectively.
Overview
Women have benefited from urogynecology, a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology. Urogynecology has been renamed female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery to more accurately describe the scope of diagnosis and treatment of female pelvic support disorders.
The subspecialist evaluates all the structures and systems of the female pelvis, including organs, nerves, ligaments, muscles and blood vessels. 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.). Located in Center Valley and Bethlehem, these specially trained physical therapists can receive referrals from all OB/GYN physicians and also self-referrals from patients. They accept all insurances, including managed care plans. They provide a physical therapy evaluation, teach stretching, strengthening and relaxation exercises and perform biofeedback (internal and external). They also focus on pre- and post-delivery patients trying to optimize the pregnancy experience. Click here, for more information on the St. Luke’s Physical Therapists specially trained in Female Pelvic Medicine.
Because of its high quality of care, our Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstruction Program can give you a higher quality of life.
Who is at risk?
About 40 percent of women who give birth vaginally will develop one or more of the problems collectively known as pelvic floor disorders. Childbirth leads to pelvic floor damage — a baby stretches the pelvic floor muscles and other tissues on its way through the birth canal, sometimes causing tearing or other damage. Even more damaging is the stretching of pelvic nerves needed for muscles to work properly.
Research results show that several key factors raise the risk of damage for women who deliver vaginally, such as:
- 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)
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.
Clinical expertise & treatment
Based on your unique symptoms and concerns, we will schedule your appointment with the most appropriate doctor. St. Luke’s provides access to a diverse group of specialists. A team of specialty-trained nurses and therapists with expertise in the management of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor problems coordinates services. They make every effort to work with you to coordinate your care most efficiently.
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
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
- Procedures to treat fecal incontinence… and more.
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.