Running to the bathroom all the time, having a leaky bladder or bowel or having pain in your bladder or pelvis isn’t something you have to live with. We’re here to help. Doctors at Ascension Saint Thomas Medical Partners Nashville Center for Female Pelvic Medicine are specialists who combine gynecology and urology by treating 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 take the time to listen and 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, or you can have vaginal bulging, called prolapse.
For many women, it may feel embarrassing or uncomfortable to talk about conditions such as bladder 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
- Complications from mesh surgery
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, and bladder prolapse. 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:
- Repair of prolapse both with robotic assistance and using your own tissue
- Sling surgery for incontinence
- Pacemaker for bladder that allows you to urinate less often and stop leaking urine
- Repairs from difficult vaginal deliveries
- Removal of mesh
- Non-surgical pelvic floor disorder treatments
There are also many non-surgical treatments for pelvic floor disorders. A pessary is a removable device we teach you how to use that treats prolapse and incontinence. In addition, we can do many office procedures that don’t require going to the operating room.
Physical therapy for your pelvic floor is available at Ascension Saint Thomas Medical Partners Nashville 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.
