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Innovative Treatments
Gynecologists at Hutzel Women’s Hospital work closely with other specialists to provide a multidisciplinary approach to the management of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders. These include non-surgical and surgical treatments.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical therapy
Specialized physical therapy and exercises can help women strengthen the muscles that surround and support the urethra, bladder, vagina and rectum. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a proven treatment for urinary incontinence.
- Medication
Medications that control muscle spasms can help prevent urine leakage. Physicians at Hutzel Women’s Hospital are currently investigating new drug treatments that may also help stress incontinence.
- Special Devices
A device called a pessary can prevent incontinence by supporting the pelvic organs and pressing against the urethra. This simple device is specially fitted for each patient and can be inserted by the patient or by the physician.
- Other Treatments
Other treatments include electrical stimulation, biofeedback, collagen implants and catheterization.
Surgical Treatments
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatments
Doctors usually suggest surgery to alleviate incontinence only after other treatments have been tried. Many surgical options have high rates of success.
Physicians at Hutzel Women’s Hospital perform the latest, minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat urinary incontinence. The two most popular surgical procedures are the transvaginal tape and transobturator tape procedures. In these minimally invasive procedures, a synthetic mesh tape is placed under the bladder neck (urethra). This tape functions as a "hammock" supporting the urethra in times of stress, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, and jumping.
- Pelvic Floor Reconstruction
Sometimes incontinence is a symptom of pelvic organ prolapse. When the muscles of the pelvic floor are damaged or become weak – often due to childbirth or low estrogen levels – they are sometimes unable to support the weight of some or all of the pelvic organs. If this occurs, one or more of the organs may drop (prolapse) below their normal positions, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to significant pain.
About 35 percent of women will have some form of pelvic organ prolapse by menopause. The condition can often be treated with non-surgical therapies, but it sometimes requires pelvic floor reconstruction surgery. The expertise and skill of the physician is extremely important in these procedures.
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