Suffer No More with Pelvic Pain!
Are you or a family member suffering with pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence issues? If so, you’re not alone. The National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 25% of U.S. women live with one or more pelvic floor disorders. Learn how to treat these conditions by attending a free lecture at Silver Cross Hospital.
What are Pelvic Floor Disorders?
Pelvic floor disorders are problems that affect a woman’s pelvic organs -- the uterus (or womb), vagina, bladder, rectum and the muscles that surround and support them. The two most common conditions are incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Women with weakness of the pelvic muscles or tears in the connective tissue may begin to have problems controlling their bladder and bowels. They often experience urine leakage (urinary incontinence), bowel gas or stool leakage, difficulty emptying their bladder, an overactive bladder or having a bowel movement (constipation).
Some women also feel or see tissue coming out of the opening of their vagina. This can be a prolapsing cervix and uterus or the walls of the vagina. It is possible to experience one or several of these signs and symptoms of pelvic floor disorders at the same time.
Treatment Options
There is a wide range of treatment options for pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, fecal incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse. It’s important for patients to find treatments that best suit their needs and lifestyle.
“Many women with pelvic prolapse and urinary incontinence can be treated successfully without surgery,” said urogynecologist, Juraj Letko, M.D. “Strategies such as behavior changes, physical therapy and medication are often the first step in treating these patients.”
“I practice a conservative method when treating my patients. However for patients whose symptoms persist after nonsurgical treatment, surgery maybe the best option to find relief,” said Dr. Letko.
