7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
CENTER FOR UROGYNECOLOGY AND PELVIC SURGERY
What Is Urogynecology and What Is a Urogynecologist/Pelvic Surgeon?
Urogynecology is a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence and dysfunction of the pelvic floor. A urogynecologist is an obstetrician/gynecologist who has specialized and received additional training in the care of women with urinary disorders and pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor includes the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue, and nerves that help support and control the rectum, uterus, vagina, and bladder. The pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease, or surgery. Some problems due to pelvic floor dysfunction and their symptoms include:
- Incontinence: loss of bladder or bowel control leading to leakage of urine or stool
- Prolapse: descent (or dropping) of pelvic organs; a bulge and/or pressure; dropped uterus, bladder, vagina, or rectum
- Emptying Disorders: difficulty urinating or moving bowels
- Pelvic (or Bladder) Pain: discomfort, burning, or other uncomfortable pelvic symptoms, including bladder or urethral pain
- Overactive Bladder: frequent need to void; bladder pressure; urgency, urgency incontinence or difficulty holding back a full bladder
Diagnostic Services
Specialized diagnostic services are available for pelvic floor disorders including:
- Urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Painful bladder problems
- Recurrent bladder infections
- Prolapse of pelvic organs
- Fecal incontinence
- Constipation and other bowel-emptying disorders
In-office diagnostic testing services include bladder ultrasound, complex urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, anal manometry, anal ultrasound, and electromyographic testing of pelvic nerves.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Is Treatable
In almost all cases, disorders of the pelvic floor and incontinence can be treated in some way, allowing you to return to an active and fulfilling way of life. A variety of therapies are available to cure or relieve symptoms of prolapse, urinary or fecal incontinence, or other pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms. Both conservative (nonsurgical) or surgical therapies may be used depending on the severity of your condition and your general health. All of the available options to treat your specific problem(s) will be discussed before you are asked to make a treatment decision.
Specialized Treatment Services
A variety of treatment approaches are utilized in the Center for management of pelvic floor dysfunction. These approaches include:
- Behavioral modification and bladder retraining
- Medications
- Pelvic muscle rehabilitation including electrical stimulation
- Biofeedback therapy
- Physical therapy
- Minor office procedures such as collagen therapy
- Advanced surgical procedures
- Non-surgical therapy of pelvic prolapse
Consultation and Education
Women's Health Specialists and the Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery are committed to the education of patients, physicians, and physicians in training. Our specialists provide:
- Continuing educational programs
- Consultation to community physicians and healthcare providers
Research and Clinical Trials
The Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery is actively involved in clinical research. This allows the physicians to stay on the cutting edge and bring the newest treatments to women with pelvic floor dysfunction. Ongoing research is investigating new medical therapies for overactive bladder problems.
In addition, clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate surgical treatment for urinary incontinence and prolapse. As a patient, you may choose to participate or choose not to participate in one of these investigative trials.
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505
