Urogynecology
At Allina Health, our urogynecology providers are devoted to female pelvic health and the treatment of pelvic floor disorders.
Conditions involving pelvic health and pelvic floor disorders are often deeply personal and may be difficult to talk about – but treatment is vital to a woman’s well-being. Nearly a third of all women have a disorder of the pelvic floor – the muscles, connective tissue and ligaments in the lowest part of the pelvis. These muscles are incredibly important, as they support the bladder, bowel, rectum, vagina and uterus. When pelvic floor muscles stretch or weaken, it affects the organs that are usually supported by these muscles.
Urogynecologists at Allina Health understand the importance and personal nature of women’s pelvic health care. They offer treatment and expertise that is both comprehensive and compassionate.
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Urogynecology care at Allina Health
Your care team
At Allina Health, you have an entire urogynecology health care team dedicated to your overall well-being – body, mind and spirit. Your team includes board-certified urogynecologists (MDs), physician assistants (PAs), nurses and clinical staff who are focused on providing specialized care that meets your unique needs in a supportive, reassuring environment.
To determine if urogynecology care is the best next step for you, please contact your primary care provider, who can:
- evaluate any symptoms you are experiencing
- provide a physical examination
- complete initial lab work and testing
- provide insight into the type of specialized care you need for your condition
Urogynecology: conditions we treat
The urogynecology care team at Allina Health specializes in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders and associated conditions, including:
- Pelvic organ prolapse: weakening or overstretching of ligaments and tissue that support the vaginal canal, which causes pelvic organs to descend into the vaginal area
- Stress incontinence: urine leaks caused by pressure to the bladder from coughing, laughing, sneezing, exercising or lifting heavy objects
- Overactive bladder/urge incontinence: a feeling of urgency or frequent need to urinate throughout the day; at times the urgency is strong enough that urine may leak (urge incontinence)
- Fecal incontinence: uncontrolled bowel movements often caused by structural support or neurological issues
- Fistulas: abnormal connections between organs including the vagina, bowel, bladder and skin; often resulting from trauma, infection, prior surgery or inflammatory disease
- Difficulty emptying bladder, bowel
- Sexual dysfunction related to any of the above conditions
Your urogynecology visit: what to expect
Upon referral from your primary care provider, you will meet with a physician assistant on your urogynecology care team. Together, at this initial consultation, you and your PA will:
- discuss your condition
- address any questions and concerns you have
- conduct a physical examination
- discuss recommended treatment and develop your care plan
Together, you and your team will consider all treatment options available and partner on your desired approach. It’s customized care based on your specific needs, goals and lifestyle.
There may be other treatment options to explore before considering surgery. Depending upon your needs, options could include but are not limited to:
- exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
- weight loss to reduce pelvic area pressure
- insertion of a pessary (a vaginal insert that supports the pelvic organs)
All in-office procedures and surgeries are performed by the specialized urogynecologists on your care team.
Integrated care at Allina Health
Your providers also may partner with other Allina Health specialists for conditions that require additional specialized care for complex needs, such as physical therapy for rehabilitative support, gastroenterology or colorectal surgery pending bowel-related concerns.
This integrated approach gives you peace of mind that you have one team that is seamlessly connected – a team that knows you, understands your medical needs and is there to address all your concerns as you receive the highest quality care.
We also want you actively involved in your care. One way you can do that is through the Allina Health account, an online tool that lets you track appointments, review test results, access electronic records, communicate with your team and more.