Pelvic Support/Reconstructive Surgery

Vaginal Relaxation and Functional GYN Problems

Thirty million American women suffer from symptoms of vaginal relaxation and stress urinary incontinence. Many women have difficulty controlling their urine in certain situations or notice changes in their bowel habits. These two symptoms may be related to a common set of problems that may occur as a result of childbirth, aging or a combination of both. Grouped together these problems are referred to as pelvic relaxation.

Many women suffer unnecessarily from conditions involving pelvic relaxation. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment will often restore patients to a life free of the aggravations and discomforts associated with pelvic relaxation.

The pelvic organs include the vagina, uterus, bladder, and rectum. . When the support of these organs is damaged for various reasons, such as childbirth or pressure on the pelvic structures over the years, one or more of the pelvic organs may sag. These are called pelvic support defects.

The general symptoms associated with pelvic relaxation depend on which organs are affected. Often there is a feeling of heaviness or fullness. Small or moderate amounts of urine may be lost with normal physical activities such as laughing, coughing, walking, or running. In more advanced cases a mass may actually protrude from the vaginal opening.

A detailed history, a thorough physical examination and tests including ultrasound and computerized urodynamics testing are utilized to pinpoint the anatomic defect and customize a treatment plan. Sometimes a non-invasive treatrment such as a pessary will work. Often, however, surgery is the ultimate treatment. Our physicians are skilled in stste of the art pelvic reconstruction, using latest mesh for strengthening pelvic support.