The urogynecology experts at AdventHealth provide treatment options for nearly 1 in 3 women that have a pelvic floor disorder. Whether you suffer from overactive bladder, urinary or bowel incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse, our experienced urogynecologists will provide a personalized treatment plan for you – so you can get back to the moments you love with confidence.
What is a pelvic floor disorder?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that act like a hammock to support organs such as the bladder, uterus and rectum. Women sometimes develop pelvic floor disorders as they age or as a result of hormone shifts, childbearing or illness.
Some examples of common pelvic floor conditions are:
- Vaginal and uterovaginal prolapse
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Urinary frequency
- Recurring urinary tract infections
- Intestinal cystitis
How do you recognize the signs of a pelvic floor disorder?
AdventHealth’s skilled urogynecologists are pelvic floor experts, who are ready to help women live their best lives with confidence. And the first step is getting an accurate diagnosis. With several bladder and bowel testing procedures including cystoscopy, ultrasound and more, we’ll pinpoint the cause of bothersome or painful symptoms—and work together to provide treatment options that meet each patient’s unique needs.
Women with pelvic floor disorders may experience:
- A bulge in the vagina
- Burning during urination
- Chronic pelvic pain that radiates to the groin, abdomen and back
- Difficulty with bowel movements and constipation
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Loss of urine with coughing, sneezing, or laughing
- Strong or frequent urge to urinate
How is pelvic floor dysfunction treated?
With comprehensive treatment options, pelvic floor disorders can often be successfully treated without the need for surgery, with the use of physical therapy and a combination of other treatment options, including:
- Biofeedback: A non-surgical technique that uses special sensors and video to monitor the pelvic floor muscles as the patient attempts to relax or contract them.
- Medicine: Medicine is sometimes prescribed to treat certain bladder control problems, to prevent loose stools or frequent bowel movements.
- Relaxation techniques: Your physician or physical therapist may recommend relaxation strategies such as warm baths, exercise and stretching.
- Strengthening exercises: Also known as Kegels, these exercises are designed to help patients strengthen their pelvic floor muscles and alleviate bothersome symptoms.
When surgery is necessary, we offer several minimally invasive procedures for pelvic order prolapse and urinary incontinence such as vaginal, laparoscopy and daVinci® robotic surgery.
Other specialty procedures include:
- Bulkamid urethral bulking
- Intradetrusor botox® therapy
- Sacral Neuromodulation therapy
- Percutaneous tibial neuromodulation
While talking about pelvic concerns can feel personal or sensitive, it’s important for patients to advocate for their own health. When left untreated, these disorders can disrupt the activities of daily life and keep women from feeling whole.
To learn more, visit TampaPelvicFloor.com or call 813-467-4265 to schedule an appointment.
Meet the President and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida Division here.
