Specialized urogynecology care designed around you
Most people don’t think about their pelvic floor very much—until something goes wrong. And when it does, the effects can be painful and frustrating. Even embarrassing.
At Maimonides Health, we know it doesn’t have to be this way. Our urogynecologists have extensive training and experience in female pelvic medicine. They will provide effective treatment options, from lifestyle changes and medicine to surgical solutions. So if you’re struggling with pelvic floor issues, such as leaking urine when you cough or laugh, or dealing with vaginal pain, don’t wait. We’re here to help.
Why choose Maimonides for pelvic floor care?
The Maimonides Pelvic Floor Center provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for pelvic floor issues. Our team includes two fellowship-trained, board-certified urogynecologists who offer advanced testing and treatment of conditions affecting the female pelvic floor.
The center is one of only a few facilities like it in New York City. And it’s the only one in Brooklyn to offer seamless access to a team with expertise in:
This type of multidisciplinary care is essential because pelvic floor disorders can be complex and require care from multiple providers. If you need surgery, you can rest assured that you’ll receive exceptional care.
Maimonides is Brooklyn’s only Center of Excellence for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. This recognition from the Surgical Review Corporation spotlights our dedication to patient safety and surgical outcomes.
No matter what your pelvic floor concerns, our team will provide comprehensive testing and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique situation. Our center even offers mental health services from a behavioral health professional who helps women like you cope with the emotional challenges these conditions can create.
Call to schedule: 718-283-9044
Schedule an appointment online
What is urogynecology?
Urogynecology is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the female pelvic floor. These conditions can impact many organs in your body, including your bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum, as well as nearby muscles and tissues.
Doctors who specialize in urogynecology train in urology or gynecology and then do additional training in pelvic medicine and surgery.
Types of pelvic floor disorders
Common pelvic floor disorders include:
- Urinary and fecal incontinence.
- Pelvic organ prolapse – Prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs weaken, causing the organs to “drop down.” One example is bladder prolapse.
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Childbirth-related injury – Giving birth can stretch, squeeze and tear the pelvic floor muscles.
- Lichen sclerosus – This condition causes patchy, discolored, thin skin, usually affecting the genital and anal areas.
Signs and symptoms of pelvic floor conditions you shouldn’t ignore
Symptoms of a pelvic floor condition can affect your everyday life in many ways. They include:
- Urinary symptoms:
- Urinary urgency – a sudden, uncontrollable need to urinate
- Accidental urine leakage when you cough, sneeze, or exercise, for example
- Difficulty “emptying” your bladder
- Frequent bathroom visits
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Blood in your urine
- Constipation
- A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Pain in the lower back, pelvis, or rectum
- Vaginal itching
One in every three to four women will develop a pelvic floor disorder at some point in her life. Your risk increases with age—about 40% of women in their 50s experience pelvic floor issues.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care doctor.
What to expect when you visit the Pelvic Floor Center
Many people with pelvic floor disorders feel embarrassed about their symptoms. Some may think their only choice is to live with the inconvenience, discomfort, and pain. At Maimonides, we want you to know that these disorders are treatable. We offer specialized care that may help you feel better and get back to enjoying life.
The first step is for our providers to get a solid understanding of your symptoms and how they are affecting your life. During your first visit to the Maimonides Pelvic Floor Center, a urogynecologist will:
- Ask you detailed questions about your health history and symptoms
- Perform a thorough physical and pelvic exam
- Order lab tests, if needed
The doctor may also recommend the following tests, which can happen on the same day as your visit:
- Perineal 3D ultrasound imaging – This advanced imaging test can provide detailed images of your pelvic floor muscles. It is available in the same building as the Pelvic Floor Center.
- Cystoscopy – This in-office test allows the doctor to look directly inside the bladder. It involves inserting a small camera through the urethra.
- Urodynamic testing – This in-office test shows how well parts of the urinary tract work to store and release urine.
Comprehensive treatment for women with pelvic floor conditions
Our team is here to help you no matter where you are in your treatment journey. Maybe this is the first time you’ve sought care for a pelvic floor disorder. Or perhaps you’ve seen other providers but haven’t gotten better. Our top priority is to help you understand your treatment options and choose the one that’s best for you.
After your test results are available, your provider will talk to you about your treatment options, which may include:
- Noninvasive treatments
- Medicine
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Surgery
We will consider conservative treatment options first unless you have already tried those and are ready for something different.
Noninvasive urogynecologic therapies
Noninvasive treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle changes – We may recommend consuming less caffeine, avoiding certain foods, or limiting beverages at certain times of the day.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy – You may see our expert pelvic floor physical therapist. You’ll learn how to speed up your recovery with home exercises.
- Removable vaginal inserts – These soft silicone devices can support the uterus, bladder, or rectum to prevent incontinence.
Medicine
Medicine may help ease your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to:
- Provide pain relief
- Prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Relax the bladder to prevent urinary incontinence
- Treat skin irritation that causes vaginal itching
- Treat constipation
Minimally invasive urogynecologic procedures
These procedures can include:
- Nerve stimulation – This therapy can ease urinary and fecal incontinence.
- Bladder Botox – Botox injections can help treat overactive bladder symptoms.
Urogynecologic surgery
Urogynecologic surgery is almost always outpatient, so you’ll go home the same day. Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to ensure you recover as quickly as possible. Surgeries can:
- Lift the pelvic organs back into place
- Reconstruct the pelvic floor
- Remove the uterus (hysterectomy)
Additional support from social workers and mental health experts
Pelvic floor conditions can be stressful, especially if you have been dealing with symptoms for a long time. Our entire team is here to support you with reassurance, education about your condition, and state-of-the-art therapies. We look forward to helping you feel good again and return to all the activities you enjoy—without worrying about pelvic floor symptoms.
Call to schedule: 718-283-9044
Schedule an appointment online
