Research shows that one in four women will face a urogynecologic problem at some point in their lives. Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery is often called “urogynecology.” It includes disorders that affect 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 and outlook
Penn State Health offers comprehensive care for a wide range of pelvic floor disorders, including:
Cystocele – when the bladder drops from its usual position in the pelvis and pushes against the wall of the vagina, causing a bulge that may be visible at the vaginal opening
Enterocele – when the small bowel drops to the lower pelvis and pushes into the vaginal wall, causing a bulge that may be visible at the vaginal opening
Fecal incontinence – accidental leakage of stool that is solid or semi-solid
Nocturia – waking more than once during the night to urinate
Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis – chronic condition that occurs when the bladder fills and stretches, causing bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain
Pelvic organ prolapse – when one or more pelvic organs drops into the vagina, causing a bulge that may be visible at the vaginal opening
Rectocele – when tissues between the rectum and the vagina weaken, causing the rectum to bulge into the vagina
Rectovaginal fistula – abnormal connection between the bowels and vagina that lets stool and gas leak into the vagina
Recurrent bladder infections – two or more bladder infections documented in a six- to 12-month period
Stress incontinence – when movement or activity puts pressure on the bladder, causing urine to leak; worsens when you laugh, cough, sneeze or exercise
Urge incontinence – sudden urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine
Urinary incontinence – involuntary loss of urine
Uterovaginal prolapse – when muscles and ligaments can no longer support the uterus, and it slips into the vagina
Vesicovaginal fistula – an abnormal connection or opening between the bladder and the vagina that allows urine to drain into 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, two nurse practitioners and a 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.
