Page 30 - Inspire Health September/October 2016
P. 30
open dialogue
on pelvic health By Dr. Tasscia Williams
The statistics are staggering: • Discomfort or relief after a Reconstructive surgery may include
More than one in every three bowel movement repairing the prolapse and building back
women have some kind of pelvic pelvic floor support.
floor disorder. • Reduced interest in sex
• Pain associated with sex Other surgeries can also work well to
In fact, nearly one-quarter of • Pain in the pelvic area. treat problems of urinary leakage caused
American women have one or more Some of the causes of pelvic floor by stress incontinence. The two most
PVDs that cause symptoms, according to disorder include pregnancy and common surgeries offered are a mesh
the National Institutes of Health. childbirth, obesity, advanced age and strap or sling to hold the urethra in its
chronic constipation. In the cases of normal position and a procedure called
But what is a pelvic floor disorder? obesity and chronic constipation, both colposuspension, where the surgeon puts
Pelvic floor disorders are weaknesses put pressure on the pelvic floor, which the bladder back in its correct position.
or tears in the pelvic floor muscles. The could cause symptoms.
most common symptom that women More severe cases of pelvic floor If you experience one or more of these
feel is the sensation of “a bulge” or that disorders may include pelvic organ symptoms and they disrupt your lifestyle,
“something is falling out of my vagina.” prolapse, where organs including the see your gynecologist, who can discuss
Those aren’t the only symptoms, bladder, rectum, small bowel and the individualized treatment options with you.
however. Here are other common uterus can herniate to or beyond the
symptoms women may feel, including: vaginal walls. Coordinated Health’s
• Vaginal or pelvic pressure Some non-invasive treatment options Tasscia Williams, MD, MPH,
• Urinary symptoms such as can bring temporary relief, such as Kegel is a minimally invasive
leakage or urgency exercises, medications and vaginal pessary. gynecologic surgeon with
• Incontinence However, in some cases reconstructive offices in Allentown and
• Constipation surgery is the best option. Pelvic Hazle Township near
• Inability to completely empty reconstructive surgery can be performed Hazleton. She specializes
the bladder after urination either vaginally or laparoscopically. in complex endoscopic
• Increased pain after sitting surgical techniques including
laparoscopy, hysteroscopy
and vaginal surgery.
on pelvic health By Dr. Tasscia Williams
The statistics are staggering: • Discomfort or relief after a Reconstructive surgery may include
More than one in every three bowel movement repairing the prolapse and building back
women have some kind of pelvic pelvic floor support.
floor disorder. • Reduced interest in sex
• Pain associated with sex Other surgeries can also work well to
In fact, nearly one-quarter of • Pain in the pelvic area. treat problems of urinary leakage caused
American women have one or more Some of the causes of pelvic floor by stress incontinence. The two most
PVDs that cause symptoms, according to disorder include pregnancy and common surgeries offered are a mesh
the National Institutes of Health. childbirth, obesity, advanced age and strap or sling to hold the urethra in its
chronic constipation. In the cases of normal position and a procedure called
But what is a pelvic floor disorder? obesity and chronic constipation, both colposuspension, where the surgeon puts
Pelvic floor disorders are weaknesses put pressure on the pelvic floor, which the bladder back in its correct position.
or tears in the pelvic floor muscles. The could cause symptoms.
most common symptom that women More severe cases of pelvic floor If you experience one or more of these
feel is the sensation of “a bulge” or that disorders may include pelvic organ symptoms and they disrupt your lifestyle,
“something is falling out of my vagina.” prolapse, where organs including the see your gynecologist, who can discuss
Those aren’t the only symptoms, bladder, rectum, small bowel and the individualized treatment options with you.
however. Here are other common uterus can herniate to or beyond the
symptoms women may feel, including: vaginal walls. Coordinated Health’s
• Vaginal or pelvic pressure Some non-invasive treatment options Tasscia Williams, MD, MPH,
• Urinary symptoms such as can bring temporary relief, such as Kegel is a minimally invasive
leakage or urgency exercises, medications and vaginal pessary. gynecologic surgeon with
• Incontinence However, in some cases reconstructive offices in Allentown and
• Constipation surgery is the best option. Pelvic Hazle Township near
• Inability to completely empty reconstructive surgery can be performed Hazleton. She specializes
the bladder after urination either vaginally or laparoscopically. in complex endoscopic
• Increased pain after sitting surgical techniques including
laparoscopy, hysteroscopy
and vaginal surgery.
