Female pelvic health involves the pelvic floor–the group of muscles and connective tissue that supports your pelvic organs such as your bladder, bowel and uterus. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 25% of U.S. women are affected by pelvic floor disorders which occur when the muscles and connective tissue weaken or are injured. 

Pelvic floor disorders increase with age, affecting more than 40% of women from 60 to 79 years of age and about 50% of women 80 and older.

Types of Pelvic Health Conditions

For women, pelvic health conditions are classified into several categories: 

Prolapse Conditions

Bladder Dysfunction

• Overactive bladder (OAB)
• Stress urinary incontinence
• Urinary incontinence

Bowel Dysfunction

• Fecal incontinence: problems with bowel control

Additional Pelvic Floor Disorders

• Interstitial cystitis: painful bladder syndrome
• Vaginal fistulas: abnormal openings between the vagina and nearby organs, including the rectum or the bladder

Symptoms of Pelvic Health Conditions

Pelvic floor disorder symptoms may vary depending on the specific condition, but the common symptoms include: 

How Are Pelvic Floor Disorders Diagnosed?

For accurate diagnosis and treatment, it’s best to consult with a urologist that specializes in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. 

Your provider will perform a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose the specific pelvic issue that is causing your symptoms. This assessment will include a physical exam, medical history and, if necessary, advanced testing procedures. Diagnostic testing may include: 

• Urinalysis to test for abnormalities or infections
• Computerized uroflowmetry to calculate the speed of urine flow over time.
• Post-void residual urine determination to measure the amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating
• Ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder and/or urethra
• Cystoscopy to look inside your bladder or urethra
• Video urodynamic to detect and diagnose lower urinary tract issues
• Percutaneous nerve evaluation to determine whether sacral nerve stimulation will be an effective treatment for urinary incontinence.

Treatment for Pelvic Health Conditions

Because there are so many different types of pelvic floor disorders, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment option. Your urologist will work with you to determine the best and most effective treatment option for your specific condition. Your customized treatment plan may include one or more of the following: 

If the minimally invasive treatment options above are ineffective, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options include: 

Schedule an Appointment

At Alliance Urology Specialists, our goal is to provide the highest level of specialized urology care. Our board-certified urologists with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of female pelvic health conditions. To schedule an appointment, call Alliance Urology Specialists in Greensboro at (336) 274-1114.