Pelvic Health

At SSM Health, our pelvic health experts are committed to helping patients improve their quality of life when it comes to pelvic health. Our multidisciplinary clinical team has expertise in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the muscles and connective tissue of the pelvic organs. These include pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence, and in women: vulvovaginal disorders, vaginal pain.

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is the combination of muscle, ligaments, and tendons that are at the bottom of your pelvis. It provides:

• Support for internal organs
• Control for the openings of the urethra, rectum, and vagina (in women)
• Assistance with sexual function
• Support for the hips, spine, and pelvis

Men and women can suffer from pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and incontinence, conditions that affect more than 30% of women and 15% of men. Children can also experience pelvic health issues.

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

Diabetes, an overactive bladder, or prostate surgery are some common reasons the pelvic muscles weaken in men. In women, childbirth and other circumstances weaken or damage the pelvic floor allowing the pelvic organs to descend through the vaginal opening and cause a variety of symptoms. Children can have problems with an overly weak, tense, or uncoordinated pelvic floor which can delay or impair bowel and bladder control.

When the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your pelvic organs don’t work properly, the following symptoms can occur:

• Urinary and fecal incontinence
• Bowel urgency
• Inability to fully empty your bladder
• Increased urinary frequency or urgency
• Post-surgical pelvic concerns
• Pelvic pain, pressure, or bulging
• Pelvic pain during intercourse
• Tailbone, lower back, or hip pain
• Constipation
• Bedwetting

At SSM Health, our providers are committed to helping patients improve their quality of life when it comes to pelvic health. Our clinical team has expertise in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the muscles and connective tissue of pelvic organs.

We believe in treating every patient as a whole person. While diagnosing pelvic pain can be complex, our doctors take the time to listen to your concerns and complete a thorough examination. Our board-certified specialists develop individualized plans for each and every patient – to find out what is causing your pain and treat it.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect both men and women of any age, including children.

How are pelvic floor disorders treated?

Our multidisciplinary approach to pelvic health includes physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, and physical therapists working together to provide comprehensive care for each patient.

Are there non-invasive pelvic floor treatment options?

Our team provides treatment for pelvic floor disorders to reduce or eliminate bothersome symptoms using the least invasive approach. Your wishes, the severity of your condition, and your general health define the individualized therapy. More conservative treatment may include:

• Dietary and behavioral modifications
• Pelvic floor physical therapy
• Core and pelvic floor exercises
• Tibial nerve modulation
• Biofeedback and relaxation techniques
• Medications
• Electrical stimulation
• Soft tissue and joint mobilization

What to Expect in Physical Therapy

A pelvic health physical therapist’s role is to evaluate and identify any problems, then educate and provide treatment to help alleviate symptoms. Physical therapy visits are performed in a private, one-on-one session at one of our multiple locations. Pelvic health therapists will develop a unique program for you. An individualized pelvic floor therapy session may consist of:

• Individualized exercise program, including stretching and strengthening
• Manual therapy
• Use of biofeedback for pelvic floor training and improving awareness
• Education for body mechanics and posture

Are there surgical treatment options for pelvic floor disorders?

When conservative therapies fail to treat your condition effectively, reconstructive surgery may be offered. During reconstructive surgery, the damaged supporting structures of the pelvic organs are repaired in an effort to normalize the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor. We offer minimally invasive procedures including robotic and laparoscopic surgery. Surgical treatment options include:

• Tension free slings for stress urinary incontinence
• Uterosacral ligament fixation
• Sacrospinous ligament fixation
• Anterior and posterior vaginal repair
• Sacrocolpopexy Colpocleisis
• Tibial nerve stimulation
• Sacral nerve modulation
• Botulinum toxin injection
• Urethral bulking