Pelvic Floor & Urinary Incontinence in Women

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

If the pelvic floor becomes stretched, weakened or torn, one or more of the pelvic organs can descend from its usual position. This is called pelvic organ prolapse. The condition is quite common, but varies in degree of severity. it may or may not cause symptoms, including urinary or bowel incontinence.

What are common causes?

Pregnancy and childbirth
Aging and menopause
Obesity
Chronic constipation
Congenital and neurological conditions
Repetitive exercise and heavy lifting

How does prolapse affect quality of life?

Urinary incontinence/leakage
Urinary retention
Difficult bowel movements/straining
A pressure sensation in the pelvic region
Painful intercourse
Lower back pain

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. There are several types of urinary incontinence and symptoms vary depending on the type:

Stress incontinence - Most common type; characterized by release of a small amount of urine when the bladder is strained by movement, coughing or sneezing.
Urge incontinence - Also called overactive bladder; causes the bladder muscles to signal an overwhelming urge to urinate immediately.
Mixed incontinence - Many women experience symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence.
Other (overflow, neurogenic) - Less common; may result from dementia, a blocked bladder or other physical conditions.

Surgical Solutions

Today, there are multiple treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse, ranging from kegel exercises and physical therapy, to medication or surgery. When surgery is required, our office offers the most advanced, minimally invasive procedure.

New-generation minimally invasive procedures

Cystocele (prolapsed bladder) repair – A cystocele repair is a surgery that restores your bladder to its normal position. Our new-generation procedure is non-invasive with a cure rate of 87%.
Rectocele (prolapsed rectum) repair – A rectocele repair is a surgery to restore your rectum to its normal position. Our new-generation rectocele repair is safe and has a 94% cure rate.
Vault (vaginal) prolapse repair – A vault prolapse occurs when the top of the vagina weakens and collapses into the vaginal canal. The next-generation surgical repair is minimally invasive, with a shorter operative and recovery time than traditional methods.

In most cases, surgical repair for prolapse greatly improves a patient’s health-related quality of life, reducing pain, discomfort and the embarrassment of incontinence. Patient satisfaction is high. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.