Having pain in your pelvic region or a leaky bladder or bowel isn’t something you have to live with. We’re here to help. Doctors at Ascension Saint Thomas Medical Partners Rutherford Center for Female Pelvic Medicine specialize in treating urologic and gynecology conditions that affect your pelvic floor, bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. We provide nonsurgical and surgical treatments — from medications and therapies, to minimally invasive procedures and reconstructive surgery. We listen to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work with you to create a care plan that’s right for you.
Pelvic floor disorders and symptoms
Weak pelvic muscles and tissue tears can cause pelvic floor disorders and affect your bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. When your organs are not properly supported by strong muscles, your bladder or bowel can leak, a condition called incontinence.
For many women, it may feel embarrassing or uncomfortable to talk about conditions such as rectal pain, sexual discomfort and urinary frequency. We provide compassionate and supportive care to deliver treatment options for women at any stage of life. Urogynecologists treat many types of pelvic concerns, including:
- Bladder leaks
- Bladder pain
- Constipation
- Fecal incontinence
- Nerve damage and pelvic injuries
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain
- Sexual dysfunction and pain
- Urinary frequency and menopause
- Urologic changes after a surgery
- Weight gain and pelvic health
Surgical treatments for pelvic disorders with advanced care options
Our doctors specialize in gynecologic surgery, urologic surgery and pelvic reconstruction. Urogynecologic surgery helps repair a muscle tear, organ damage, bladder prolapse and remove uterine fibroids. Your care team helps you understand what to expect, before, during and after surgery. Minimally invasive surgical techniques [and robotic-assisted systems] are used whenever possible. These techniques may help reduce your discomfort and shorten your recovery. Surgical treatments may include:
- Anal sphincter repair to tighten the ring of muscles around the anus
- Bladder sling to help support the bladder from prolapsing into the vagina
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove your uterus and repair reproductive organs
- Repair abnormal tissue between the bladder and vagina
- Stimulate the nerves that control the bladder
Non-surgical pelvic floor disorder treatments
If you have a pelvic floor, your doctor may use an implantable device, called a pessary, to provide bladder support and manage incontinence. Medications, behavioral health counseling, biofeedback, e-stim, and urge suppression are other treatments for pelvic floor disorders.
Pelvic floor therapy is available at Ascension Saint Thomas Medical Partners Rutherford Center for Female Pelvic Medicine from certified physical therapy specialists. Care teams help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles with targeted pelvic therapy exercises. Other related women’s health services include nutritionists and exercise specialists who provide supportive care to help improve your quality of life. We can also help connect you with wellness and fitness programs that support your overall health.
