Pelvic Disorders Treatment Options
Patients who are seeking treatment for prolapse, incontinence or other pelvic health concerns have a complete array of treatment options available. Initially, each patient will speak with a nurse practitioner who will perform an evaluation and provide educational materials including a diary. After a physician assessment is performed, the Center’s multidisciplinary team works closely to make sure that the proper treatment plan is selected in each individual case. These treatment options include non-surgical and surgical alternatives.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Lifestyle Changes
Patients receive education about which foods and drinks are good for the bladder, being aware of fluid intake, and losing weight. Patients are also taught exercises to strengthen muscles in the pelvic floor.
Biofeedback
Electronic devices or diaries can be used to track when the patient’s bladder and urethral muscles contract. This helps the patient gain control over these muscles. Biofeedback can also supplement pelvic muscle exercises and electrical stimulation to relieve stress and urge incontinence.
Medications
A class of drugs called anticholinergics are useful in relaxing bladder muscles and preventing bladder spasms. These medications help decrease urgency and frequency of urination.
Pelvic Rehabilitation Therapy
At Community Memorial Hospital, our rehabilitation staff members have advanced training for continence and pelvic pain rehabilitation. They have established an 85 percent success rate since 1991 for treating patients with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
Occupational and physical therapists specially trained in treating patients with pelvic disorders will design an individualized treatment plan to address your specific needs, including instructions in self-management of your condition.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
This type of surgery incorporates the use of small incisions resulting in many benefits to the patient including less pelvic pain, faster mobility, and faster return to normal life. For treating stress incontinence, the surgeon makes a small vaginal incision and uses a mesh or tape material to make a sling to cradle the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse. The robotic technology allows the surgeon the freedom to make a much smaller incision than was the case with traditional open surgery. The incision is usually less than a centimeter in size and, once again, mesh material is inserted through the incision and then anchors the vagina to the topmost part of the sacrum, a large triangular bone at the base of the spine. Because robotic-assisted surgery allows the surgeon to make a smaller incision, the patient has less pain, faster recovery time, and a shorter hospital stay.
Surgical treatments are also available to treat fibroids, menorrhagia (excessive bleeding) and endometriosis.
How to get Treatment
If you notice symptoms of pelvic pain, see your doctor for a consultation. Your doctor will need to provide a written prescription for the hospital’s Continence and Pelvic Pain Rehabilitation Program.
You have the right to choose your therapy provider. Community Memorial Hospital is an in-network provider for most major insurance plans, including Medicare.
Some insurance companies may require authorization before you begin the program. Contact your insurance company before your first visit to verify coverage and co-pays if applicable.
For more information about Community Memorial’s Continence and Pelvic Pain Rehabilitation Program, or to schedule an appointment, call the Physical Medicine Department at (262) 257-3080.