Pelvic floor disorders and treatments
Women tend to experience more urinary tract and bladder health issues than men.. Incontinence and pelvic prolapse are the two most common urologic conditions in women. While these conditions may affect any woman and are very common, they are often the result of a combination of childbearing, age and menopause.

Pregnancies often put pressure on the bladder and surrounding muscles, which can lead to future problems, and the shorter female urethra makes infection more likely. Additionally, hormonal changes during menopause can affect the muscles that keep the bladder in place. Problems of the female urinary tract can cause significant discomfort and distress. Common female urologic and bladder health issues include:

• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Stress incontinence and urinary control issues
• Urinary tract infections
• Overactive bladder (voiding dysfunction)
• Interstitial cystitis

There are many treatment options for these conditions, which may include medical therapies or surgical repairs that are available through OB/GYNs, Urogynecologists and/or Urologists. Our expert medical team offers women:

• Urodynamic assessments
• Medications, pelvic exercises, behavioral and/or dietary modifications
• Vaginal support devices (also called pessaries)
• Biofeedback and Electric Stimulation
• Pelvic floor rehabilitation 
• Minimally invasive surgery including robot-assisted surgery
• Periurethral bulking injections (office based)
• Bladder instillation therapy (office based)
• Vaginal tape and sling procedures
• Pelvic organ prolapse surgery

Pelvic organ prolapse

While incontinence can affect both men and women, women can experience pelvic organ prolapse. This occurs when the muscles and ligaments supporting a woman's pelvic organs weaken, causing the pelvic organs to slip out of place (prolapse). Pelvic organ prolapse can worsen over time and may require surgical repair.

Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group is pleased to offer a program specific to pelvic organ prolapse.

Incontinence and prolapse are not isolated conditions. They often occur as a result of a weakening of muscles resulting from childbirth, age or menopause. Some women are born with weaker tissues and are therefore at risk of developing prolapse. It is estimated that nearly 50 percent of all women between the ages of 50 and 79 have some form of prolapse. The chance that a woman will have surgery for the correction of prolapse or urinary incontinence in the United States is about 11 percent.

Symptoms
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse may include:

• Feeling pressure from pelvic organs pressing against the vaginal wall. This is the most common symptom.
• Feeling very full in your lower belly.
• Feeling a pull or stretch in your groin area or pain in your lower back.
• Releasing urine unintentionally or needing to urinate often
• Having problems with your bowels, such as chronic constipation
• Vaginal discomfort

Urogynecologic specialty care
Led by Dennis P. Miller, MD,Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group - Milwaukee Urogynecology is a center of excellence for the evaluation and management of female bladder issues and pelvic organ prolapse. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Miller is recognized as a national and international expert in pelvic floor disorders and will develop the most appropriate treatment plan taking into consideration each patient’s overall health, lifestyle and personal goals.

For more information

• Talk with primary care physician or gynecologist if you are concerned about pelvic organ prolapse, or contact WFMG – Milwaukee Urogynecology directly at (414) 259-7480.