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Northwestern Medicine Women's Integrated Pelvic Health Program

If you have a pelvic floor disorder there are many options for controlling, reducing or eliminating the causes of incontinence.

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Leading-edge, Transdisciplinary Clinical and Surgical Care

At least one in four women reports discomfort and a negative impact on her quality of life from a pelvic floor disorder, including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary tract symptoms or incontinence, and fecal incontinence. Moreover, nearly one in five women will undergo surgery for a pelvic floor disorder with a 30 percent risk of needing repeat surgery. With the increased prevalence of pelvic floor disorders with aging, treatment for women with these disorders is expected to increase by 40 percent over the next 40 years—from 28 million in 2010 to 43 million in 2050.

Specialists for Pelvic Floor Disorders

The Northwestern Medicine Women's Integrated Pelvic Health Program houses a transdisciplinary team of specialists in convenient locations:

These specialists provide customized, compassionate, full-service care for all pelvic floor disorders in a confidential environment.

Meet the Team

Northwestern Medicine Urogynecology Team Photo
The pelvic health team includes urogynecologists, urologists, colorectal surgeons, pelvic floor physical therapists, advanced practice specialist and nurses. This multidisciplinary team works together to ensure a tailored, individualized plan of care for each patient with pelvic floor disorders.

Meet the Women's Integrated Pelvic Health Team

Clinical Programs

Northwestern Medicine’s Integrated Pelvic Health Program offers additional distinctive clinical programs for special groups of women with pelvic floor conditions.

Northwestern Medicine's Women's Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Program

Northwestern Medicine offers a transdisciplinary approach to pelvic health that includes Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urogynecology, Urology, Colorectal Surgery, and Physical Therapy.

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Peripartum Evaluation and Assessment of the Pelvic Floor around Delivery (PEAPOD) Clinic

Childbirth and pregnancy are some of the most significant risk factors for developing pelvic floor disorders. As a result, we developed a specialized clinical and research program.

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Transition Urogynecology Clinic for Women with Congenital Anomalies

The Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery physicians work cooperatively with pediatric surgeons from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, to provide comprehensive care plans for young women with complex congenital anomalies.

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Pelvic Health Conditions

Pelvic floor disorders are a group of conditions that affect the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor consists of the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue in the pelvis that support your pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum). The pelvic floor prevents your organs from falling or protruding outside your body and plays an important role in how your organs work. When the pelvic floor muscles or connective tissue are torn or do not work properly, the pelvic organs may not function correctly and you may develop symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder.

The three main types of pelvic floor disorders are:

Other related disorders that Northwestern Medicine pelvic floor specialists frequently treat include:

  • Anal Incontinence
  • Blood In Urine
  • Bowel Control Problems
  • Congenital Anomalies
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty with bladder or bowel emptying
  • Fistulas
  • Genital Pain
  • Neuro-urologic disorders
  • Overactive Bladder
  • Painful Bladder Syndrome
  • Painful Scar or Adhesions
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse
  • Postpartum pelvic floor issues
  • Prolapse of Bladder, Vagina, Uterus or Rectum
  • Pubic Symphysis Pain
  • Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
  • Stress Urinary Incontinence
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Vaginal Bulge or Protrusion of Tissue from Vagina

Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Disorders

Depending on the type of pelvic floor disorder, women may experience a variety of symptoms. Most pelvic floor disorders are not dangerous but worsen over time and create bothersome symptoms that can interfere with or limit your activities.

Some symptoms that suggest you may have a pelvic floor disorder include:

  • Blood In Urine
  • Bowel Control Problems
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty with bladder or bowel emptying
  • Overactive Bladder
  • Prolapse of Bladder, Vagina, Uterus or Rectum
  • Urinary Control Problems
  • Vaginal Bulge or Protrusion of Tissue from Vagina

Treatment Options for Pelvic Floor Disorders

Treatments will vary depending on the type of pelvic floor disorder. The specialists at Northwestern Medicine will offer all the latest non-surgical and surgical treatments and will help tailor a treatment plan based on the severity of each woman’s condition and her preferences for treatment. Frequently simple interventions and lifestyle changes can improve patient’s symptoms and quality of life.

Treatments for pelvic floor disorders include:

Diagnostic Tests Offered

  • 3D Pelvic Floor Ultrasound
  • Anal Manometry
  • Cystoscopy
  • Endoanal Ultrasound
  • Urodynamic Testing
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    Northwestern Medicine Women's Integrated Pelvic Health Program

    The Women's Integrated Pelvic Health Program provides a unique opportunity to deliver comprehensive health care for women with pelvic floor disorders.

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