Urogynecologic Conditions We Treat
If you've ever asked yourself, "Is this normal?" you're not alone. At our practice, no symptom or concern is off limits, no patient is too young or too old. An all-female team of specialists will put you at ease, even while discussing uncomfortable topics or symptoms.
It can be embarrassing to deal with a pelvic floor disorder or other urogynecology issues. The urogynecology team at Cedars-Sinai is here to help you take back control of your life. Here are some of the conditions we treat:
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Urge incontinence
- Pelvic organ prolapse (bladder or uterus falling)
- Urinary tract infection
- Interstitial cystitis
- Urinary retention
- Fecal incontinence
- Fistulas
Pelvic Floor Disorders Symptoms
Pelvic floor disorders are among the most common conditions treated by urogynecologists. These medical conditions can be treated and often resolved. If you're struggling with any of the following symptoms, it's time to call our team of urogynecologists at Cedars-Sinai.
- Frequent urination
- Strong urge to urinate
- Burning while urinating
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Bladder pressure
- Feeling like the bladder hasn't fully emptied after urinating
- Heaviness or bulge in the vagina
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Trouble with bowel movements
- Pain during intercourse
- Chronic bladder or pelvic pain
Who Gets Pelvic Floor Disorders?
Pelvic floor disorders occur when your pelvic floor muscles tear or become weak. This happens for a range of reasons. The most common:
- Age
- Childbirth
- Repeated strenuous activity or lifting
- Pelvic surgery
- Chronic disease
- Menopause
- Chronic constipation
- Some neurologic conditions
Pelvic floor disorders occur when your pelvic floor muscles tear or become weak. This happens for a range of reasons. The most common:
Other factors may include family history or tobacco use.
Treatment Options
Urogynecology problems like incontinence or pain during sex often can be greatly improved, or even eliminated, with treatment. You and your care team will choose a treatment or combination of treatments that will work best for getting you back to living your life to its fullest.
Nonsurgical Treatments
- Injections for incontinence and bladder control problems. "Bulking agents" (calcium or silicone-based) can be injected into the urethra to treat stress incontinence. Botulinum toxin (Botox ®) can be injected into the bladder muscle to treat overactive bladder and urge incontinence. Doctors can do both procedures with a local anesthetic, and the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis or in the office.
- Medications. Medicine can be prescribed from certain incontinence problems and other conditions.
- Vaginal pessary for prolapse. These are soft, removable devices that support areas affected by a prolapse. These can be placed during an office visit.
- Pelvic floor muscle training. These exercises, also called Kegel exercises, can help improve symptoms of prolapse. They involve squeezing and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. They can improve symptoms, but cannot correct more severe prolapse.
- Nerve stimulation. Nerve stimulation similar to acupuncture can be used to treat overactive bladder.
Surgical Treatment
Prolapse Surgeries
These surgeries repair the prolapse and build pelvic floor support. The options vary depending on which organs are prolapsed. Some options include
- Repairing the vaginal wall
- Supporting the rectum or small bowel
- Supporting the bladder
- Removal of the uterus
- Surgery for bladder control
Incontinence Surgeries
Surgery can work effectively to treat incontinence that occurs because of pressure on the bladder.
- Sling procedures. The surgeon uses your own tissue or places a "hammock" to support the urethra.
- Bladder pacemaker. A device is implanted to treat overactive bladder and difficulty urinating.
Getting Started With Treatment
Call us with any questions you may have Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.