Woman talking to an ob-gyn.

Urogynecology and pelvic health care in Chicagoland

Urogynecologists at Ascension Illinois deliver specialized care for women with conditions that affect their pelvic organs and pelvic floor.
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You can ask your urogynecologist anything. Why am I going to the bathroom so often? Is it normal to have leaking? Why do I feel pain in my vagina? What is prolapse? We listen to your concerns and answer your questions — big and small. Urogynecologists at Ascension Illinois diagnose, treat, and help you manage pelvic floor disorders. These are common conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, including:

  • Bladder pain
  • Fistulas, both genitourinary and rectovaginal (connection between organs, or an organ and skin)
  • Incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control)
  • Overactive bladder
  • Pelvic and uterus pain
  • Pelvic organ prolapse (when one or more organs, such as the uterus, bowel or bladder, drop into the vagina causing a bulge or discomfort)
  • Perineal tear
  • Sexual intercourse discomfort
  • Stress urinary incontinence (leaking urine when you laugh, cough or sneeze)
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Uterine fibroids

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Advanced gynecologic care for women

When you choose Ascension Illinois for your care, your doctor and care team are part of an integrated national network of experienced women’s health specialists. We work with you on a personalized care plan that may include therapeutic and surgical care. Your care plan may include treatments such as:

  • Advanced laparoscopic procedures
  • Bladder BOTOX®
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Medication (oral or injection)
  • Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)
  • Sacral nerve stimulation

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery

Surgery may be recommended as part of your care plan, if you have a pelvic prolapse, incontinence, constipation or pelvic pain. When possible, we use minimally invasive surgery. With this type of procedure, your doctor uses small incisions, which may lead to less pain and a shorter recovery time. Ascension Saint Alexius and Ascension Saint Francis have achieved accreditation from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology.

Urogynecologists specialize in surgical procedures, including:

  • Prolapse repair with vaginal and laparoscopic options
  • Surgery without the use of vaginal mesh
  • Hysterectomy (both traditional laparoscopy and vaginal laparoscopy options)
  • Labiaplasty (surgery to change the size of the labia)
  • Reconstructive surgery

Get a second opinion from a urogynecologist

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Illinois. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.

When you are facing a new diagnosis or experiencing ongoing symptoms, there’s a lot to think about. We can discuss both therapeutic or surgical treatment plans. Our team of highly experienced women’s health specialists can provide you with a second opinion, based on experience and as part of an integrated national team.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records from your doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

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Frequently asked questions

  • What is urogynecology?

    Urogynecology is a subspecialty of gynecology that focuses on pelvic floor disorders. You may be referred to a urogynecologists if you have symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder. We diagnose conditions such as overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. These are conditions that typically occur over time and can usually be treated with therapy or surgery.

  • What is an obstetric injury?

    An obstetric injury is an injury that occurs during a vaginal delivery, such as tears and ruptures. These injuries may be treated by a urogynecologist immediately after birth or even years after they occur.

  • What are treatment options for women with stress urinary incontinence?

    There are many treatment options for urinary incontinence and leakage. These range from therapy to minimally invasive surgery. Talk with your doctor about what treatment options are right for you.

  • What is pelvic organ prolapse?

    Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles supporting your pelvic organs weaken, causing the organs to drop into the pelvis and bulge into the vagina. Treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse include pelvic floor physical therapy and minimally invasive surgery.

  • What does pelvic organ prolapse feel like?

    If you have pelvic organ prolapse, you may have a feeling of heaviness or pressure in your lower belly and vagina. You may also feel a small bulge in your vagina. If you think you may have a prolapse, talk with your doctor.


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