Research indicates that one in four women experience some form of urogynecologic problem in their lifetime. Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery is often called “urogynecology”. It includes disorders that affects your cervix, vagina, bladder, rectum or uterus. The most common urogynecology issues are incontinence and prolapse.
Urogynecology problems are often caused by pregnancy and childbirth, which can weaken the tissues that support your bladder and other pelvic organs and damage the nerves that control your bladder and bowel function.
Symptoms, Diagnosis & Outlook
The Penn State Health team offers comprehensive care for a wide range of pelvic floor disorders, including:
Cystocele – protrusion of the bladder and vaginal wall support down to and possibly through the opening of the vagina
Enterocele – protrusion of the bowels and vaginal wall support down to and possibly through the opening of the vagina
Fecal incontinence – involuntary loss of bowel of semi-formed or formed stools, also known as “Accidental Bowel Leakage”
Hematuria – blood cells in the urine usually found on microscopic evaluation of a urine sample
Nocturia – waking to urinate while sleeping
Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis – a condition of bladder pain that occurs when the bladder fills and stretches, caused by a inflammation in the bladder wall
Pelvic organ prolapse – dropping of the pelvic organs into the vagina and possibly outside the vaginal opening
Rectocele – protrusion of the rectum and vaginal wall support down to and possibly through the opening of the vagina
Rectovaginal fistula – an abnormal connection between the bowels and vagina that can present as stool passing from the vagina
Recurrent bladder infections – two or more bladder infections documented in a six- to 12-month period
Stress incontinence – loss of urine that worsens when you laugh or cough or exercise
Urge incontinence – loss of urine with sudden onset of urgency
Urinary incontinence – involuntary loss of urine
Uterovaginal prolapse – protrusion of the uterus and other organs as well as the vaginal wall support down to and possibly through the opening of the vagina
Vesicovaginal fistula – an abnormal connection between the bladder and the vagina that can present as continuous urine loss from the vagina
The experienced team of experts at Penn State Health offers compassionate, comprehensive care for pelvic floor issues that address all aspects of your condition with dignity and respect.
Why Choose Penn State Health for Care
Advanced Treatment Options
Our multidisciplinary team of pelvic floor experts offers leading-edge treatment to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Treatment options include:
Mesh and non-mesh-based surgeries
Medications
Pelvic floor physical therapy
Pessary placement
Urodynamic testing (bladder testing)
Neuromodulation
Minimally invasive surgery, including robotics, laparoscopy and vaginal surgery
Comprehensive Care from Skilled Clinicians
At Penn State Health, our urogynecology specialists include three physicians with advanced expertise and training in women’s pelvic floor health, 2 nurse practitioners and head nurse. Each physician is either board-certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery or is board-eligible seeking board certification. Our nurse practitioners are dedicated exclusively to urogynecology. Our nurse and nurse practitioner both run a sophisticated urodynamics lab to help diagnose urinary disorders.
Although many central Pennsylvania practices have providers working in this area, few have the fellowship training and subspecialty board certification earned by our team.
We've been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a high-performing specialty. Our medical team is consistently recognized nationally through Best Doctors in America and America’s Top Doctors awards. Our specialists are nationally recognized experts and regularly present their scientific work at national and international conferences. They also participate in worldwide conferences and speaking engagements in countries including India, Korea, Germany, Japan and others.
Support Groups
Support groups provide an opportunity to share your feelings and connect with other patients and caregivers who are experiencing similar struggles.
We have an active clinical science research program and frequently seek volunteers to participate in clinical trials. These studies help our scientists improve diagnostic techniques, develop better treatments, and collaborate with other researchers.
