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Conditions and Treatments

Our goal is to provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for people who suffer from disorders associated with the pelvic floor. Though most of the pelvic floor disorders are specific to women, some also affect men.

We understand the sensitive nature of these problems and prioritize our patients’ comfort and privacy. Our program provides outstanding, individualized care based on your specific needs in a confidential environment.

The Integrated Pelvic Health Program provides comprehensive services and treatment in all areas of pelvic floor care including:

Conditions

Treatments

  • Minimally invasive surgery
            o   Robotic surgery           
            o   Laparoscopic surgery
            o   Vaginal surgery
  • Manometry
  • Behavioral and physical therapy​
  • Anal ultrasound
Causes
Pelvic health disorders can develop in any number of ways. In females, the predominant risk factors are:
  • Prior hysterectomy
  • Prior vaginal surgery
  • Childbirth (particularly complicated childbirth)

In males, risk factors include problems that often occur at the same time, such as enlarged prostate and/or prior prostate surgery. In all patients, the following can also play a role in developing pelvic health disorders:
  • Obesity
  • Lung disease
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Smoking
  • Chronic constipation
  • Evacuation problems

Structural defects can also lead to problems with the bladder, bowel and genital tract. In the most complex cases, a history of neurological injury or a history of major pelvic cancer surgery and history of radiation can lead to significant genitourinary and pelvic dysfunction.

​Symptoms
If you have a pelvic floor condition, you may have one or more of the following symptoms.
Because there is a perceived stigma related to the symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, many people are reluctant or embarrassed to discuss them, even with their doctors. You do not need to suffer in silence. There are a number of treatments, both non-surgical and surgical, that can improve or completely correct the problem that is causing your symptoms.
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Integrated Pelvic Health Program - Northwestern Medicine