Updates

BJC and Saint Luke’s Officially Combine as BJC Health System

Pelvic floor and urogynecology: Why choose us? 

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Our pelvic floor specialists understand the huge impact these conditions have on your quality of life. But you don’t need to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about getting help. Our specialists are here to provide the treatments and compassionate support you need to feel better. We can address both common and complex pelvic floor problems.

When you turn to us for pelvic floor disorder treatment, you’ll find: 

  • Specialized expertise: Washington University board-certified urogynecologists, many of whom have additional fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. This experience means they’re qualified to provide expert care even the most complex bladder, uterus, vagina, small bowel and rectum disorders. 

  • Nonsurgical therapies: Many pelvic floor disorders improve with nonsurgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy and behavior modification. Experienced pelvic floor physical therapists and urogynecologists help you regain strength in your pelvic floor and teach you techniques for managing symptoms. 

  • Minimally invasive treatments: Your clinical team will use the least invasive techniques possible if you do need surgery for a pelvic floor disorder. Our urogynecologists have extensive experience performing laparoscopic surgery, which uses smaller incisions so you recover faster and with less pain. 

  • Personalized approach: You will experience treatment tailored to your medical needs and personal preferences. Whether you’re concerned about bladder accidents or debilitating pelvic pain, pelvic specialists plan for your goals and lifestyle.

  • Collaborative care: The urogynecology team works with your other doctors, including your primary care physician, colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and other specialists, to coordinate your care. Addressing both common and complex pelvic floor problems.

Pelvic floor disorders

A pelvic floor disorder results from injured or weakened muscles and ligaments that support your pelvic organs. Without support, the organs may sag or shift out of place. You also can lose the ability to tighten or relax the muscles that control your bladder and bowel.

Causes of pelvic floor disorders can include aging, pregnancy, childbirth, obesity or pelvic organ damage from past surgeries.

At BJC HealthCare hospitals we treat:

  • Bladder and pelvic floor pain
    Many women experience pain or a feeling of fullness in their lower abdomen (belly) and pelvis.
  • Chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    Some women develop infections in their lower urinary tract, including in the bladder.
  • Fecal incontinence
    Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, which may lead to bowel accidents.
  • Maternal pelvic floor birth injury
    Pregnancy and childbirth, including weight gain, hormonal changes and the stress of labor and delivery, can weaken pelvic floor structures.
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
    Pelvic organs may drop from their normal position and bulge into your vaginal opening.
  • Transvaginal mesh complications
    Mesh used in a previous gynecological surgery can lead to pain, bleeding, infection or exposure of the mesh.
  • Urinary incontinence
    Accidental urine leakage can happen when you sneeze or cough (stress incontinence). Or you may feel a constant need to urinate (urgency incontinence).
Treatments for pelvic floor disorders

You don’t have to live with incontinence, prolapse or pelvic pain. A variety of treatment options are offered for these conditions and provide relief from your symptoms. When necessary, a range of minimally invasive procedures are available to treat stress incontinence, uterine prolapse and bowel incontinence.

Non-surgical treatments like medications or lifestyle changes are typically explored prior to considering surgery. Other non-surgical pelvic floor disorder treatments include: 

Pelvic floor physical therapy
Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles so you have more control over them.
Biofeedback
We use a special device with sensors to measure contractions and relaxations of pelvic floor muscles as you do exercises.
Vaginal pessary
A pessary is a device that fits inside your vagina to support your pelvic organs. It can help with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
Locations

Schedule your appointment

Call (314) 362-9355 or (800) 392-0936 to schedule your appointment with a pelvic floor specialist. 

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