In Lahey's Department of Gynecology, urogynecology services are offered for the diagnosis and treatment of female pelvic floor disorders. These disorders include female urinary incontinence, uterine prolapse and overactive bladder.
Urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine, is becoming a more common condition with our aging population. In fact, one in three women are affected by urinary incontinence and many can be managed, improved significantly or cured.
Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus slips out of place and into the vaginal canal due to tears in support structures and ligaments of the lower abdomen (called the pelvic floor), which normally support the uterus and other organs in the pelvis. Other organs, such as the bladder, may also be out of place due to the weakening of the pelvic floor tissues.
Overactive bladder, exhibits symptoms like increased frequency and urgency and affects both men and women equally and increases with age. Patients with an overactive bladder typically have a sudden urge to urinate, and may not be able to make it to the bathroom with associated leakage. This condition is due to spontaneous bladder contractions.
There are many different urogynecology treatments available for urinary incontinence, urogynecologic disorders and pelvic prolapse. For other types of incontinence and pelvic floor disorders, outpatient or inpatient surgical procedures can be performed, including reconstructive pelvic surgery. Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments are available depending on your diagnosis. Click on the following links to learn more.
