Our Comprehensive Approaches Include:
Physical Therapy
Pelvic organ support involves the effort of bones, muscles and connective tissue, and there are many options for treating pelvic conditions. At the AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health, a dedicated physical therapist assists patients in using biofeedback and developing personalized exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, both as a primary treatment and also after surgery.
Pelvic floor exercises such as Kegels that strengthen the urinary sphincter and pelvic floor muscles can be effective for different types of incontinence. Biofeedbackprovides visual and auditory measurement of both the strength of the pelvic floor muscles and their ability to relax at a normal level. Learning how to properly contract and relax these muscles, along with the correct techniques for performing pelvic floor exercises, can be vital to recovery.
More about Physical Therapy…. [Link to Women’s Rehabilitation info]
Treatments for Incontinence
Sling procedures use strips of your body's tissue, or other materials such as mesh, to create a pelvic sling or hammock around the bladder neck and urethra. The sling helps keep the urethra closed, especially in stress situations--for example, when you cough or sneeze.
Nerve Stimulators are used to identify and strengthen muscles in the pelvic region. This non-invasive method helps activate nerve and muscle mechanisms, often relieving various types of incontinence.
Collagen injections can help strengthen the sphincter muscles that allow your body to hold in urine. Collagen, found throughout your body in bones, skin and other tissues, is injected into the wall of the urethra to help stop urine leakage.
A Pessary is a device that is inserted into the vagina to help hold up the vaginal walls and possibly prevent urine leakage. You will need to remove the pessary regularly to clean it. Pessaries may provide an alternative to surgical correction of a prolapsed bladder or uterus.
Treatments for Prolapse
A Pessary is a device that is inserted into the vagina to help hold up the vaginal walls and possibly prevent urine leakage. You will need to remove the pessary regularly to clean it. Pessaries may provide an alternative to surgical correction of a prolapsed bladder or uterus.
Surgery is an option for some conditions. Our physicians specialize in a wide range of surgical options that utilize vaginal, laparoscopic, abdominal and robotic approaches. We will always choose the least invasive method available to achieve the best outcome.
Graft and Mesh Augmentation can help with prolapse repair, replacing and/or reinforcing tissue with synthetic or natural materials and strengthening the structures that support pelvic organs.
Treatments for Fibroids
Laparoscopy and robotic procedures for fibroid removal generally result in less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, reduced recovery time and a more rapid return to an active lifestyle. This method also offers surgeons improved visibility of anatomic structures.
Collaboration with Your Primary Gynecologist or Care Provider
We work together with your care provider(s) to ensure that your needs are met, for both routine gynecological and urogynecological services.