The Women's Center
Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery Center
Urogynecology is a subspecialty within Obstetrics and Gynecology
dedicated to the treatment of women with
pelvic
floor disorders such as urinary incontinence, dyspareunia (painful
intercourse) and prolapse (bulging) of the vagina, bladder and/or the
uterus.
At Aurora BayCare Medical Center, we provide comprehensive evaluation and
effective medical and surgical treatment for urinary incontinence and other
pelvic floor disorders. We evaluate every individual's condition and develop
a treatment plan designed around lifestyle and personal preference.
Treatment may include behavioral therapy, exercise, non-invasive surgical
techniques and surgical intervention. The Urogynecology and Pelvic
Reconstructive Surgery Center offers a team of professionals experienced in
performing simple and complex procedures for correcting problems of vaginal
function and support. We provide the latest treatment options and resources
available to ensure the best results.
Urinary Incontinence
Most women with urinary incontinence suffer in silence, believing the
condition to be a normal part of aging. But it isn't. Urinary incontinence
is linked to childbirth and menopause, and can also be caused by stress,
urinary tract infections, pelvic injuries, and even by certain medications.
It's a more common condition than many women think, affecting 5 to 10% of
all women, and nearly one in four women over 65. Female incontinence is
highly treatable. More than half of all cases can be treated non-surgically.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
While there are many different types of incontinence, "Stress" and "Urge"
incontinence are the two most common - comprising nearly 90% of all cases.
Stress Incontinence
If coughing, laughing, sneezing or other movements which put pressure on
the bladder cause an involuntary loss of urine, you could be experiencing
stress incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when the pelvic muscles
supporting the bladder begin to weaken and the bladder drops too low into
the pelvis. This realignment prevents the muscles that typically stop urine
flow from functioning properly, causing urine to leak during physical
activities.
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence, sometimes referred to as "overactive bladder," results
from bladder muscle contractions or "bladder spasms," which involuntarily
force urine out before the bladder has filled. If you have urge
incontinence, you may feel a sudden, intense urge to urinate, almost
immediately followed by a loss of urine.
Other types of incontinence include overflow, reflex, mixed, transient
and functional. Whichever type you may be experiencing, there are treatments
available to help you resume daily activities with fewer worries about
maintaining bladder control.
Incontinence Treatments
We offer the latest non-surgical (Continence
Therapy Program) and surgical treatment options for female incontinence
including:
- Behavioral techniques
- Medical management
- Biofeedback
- Abdominal surgery
- Vaginal reconstructive surgery (cystocele, rectocele, prolapse)
- Incontinence surgery
Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
Problems with pelvic floor support are often called prolapse. Common
names are cystocele, rectocele or uterine prolapse. If a prolapse becomes
large or occurs after a prior operation, special procedures may be required
to have an effective repair. Urinary, fecal and sexual function needs
consideration when designing a surgical repair of more complicated prolapses.
Our team has experience and expertise in successfully managing these
complicated conditions.
 |
| Lindi Magnuson, P.T., BCIA-PMD, certified in biofeedback for
pelvic muscle dysfunction,
talks about how she uses biofeedback to effectively treat
patients with urinary incontinence. |