Sharp HealthCare offers a variety of treatment options for female pelvic disorders, such as prolapse and incontinence conditions, including overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

Medications and Injections

Estrogen may help limit further weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, injections such as Botox® can be used to treat incontinence by targeting muscles in the bladder's back wall to "calm" the bladder and help reduce symptoms. These injections are performed through a scope that is inserted into the bladder. Most patients see results within 5 to 7 days that last for 6 to 10 months.

Physical Rehabilitation

Sharp Rehabilitation Services offers a specialized physical therapy program designed to treat pelvic pain and dysfunction in both men and women.

• Urodynamics Testing
  Offers studies to diagnose bladder function and bladder management recommendations. The program's certified rehabilitation registered nurses use a state-of-the-art urodynamics lab to assess bladder function (relationship of pressure to volume), activity of the bladder sphincter muscle, urine flow and other measurements to better diagnose bladder conditions and determine appropriate treatments. For more information about this program, call 858-939-6947.
  
• Pelvic Pain and Incontinence Program
  Physical therapy has been shown to be effective for a range of pelvic health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome; pelvic, vaginal or rectal pain; urinary urge incontinence or stress incontinence (leaking when you sneeze or cough); bladder urgency or bladder frequency; pain after childbirth or during intercourse; endometriosis; and sacroiliac or tailbone pain.

Our therapists receive special training in pelvic floor dysfunction, including techniques like pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, muscle biofeedback and postural reeducation, which can help minimize symptoms.

Individuals experiencing severe or chronic pelvic pain may be referred to Sharp Mesa Vista's Pain Management Program.

For more information, call the Sharp Memorial Rehabilitation Center at 858-939-6966.

Nerve Stimulation

Neuromodulation, or nerve stimulation, gently modifies the nerve signals that stimulate the bladder through the use of a minimally invasive needle electrode temporarily placed near the ankle. During a series office visits, a device attached to the needle delivers mild electrical impulses that travel up the leg nerves to the nerves that control the bladder. Patients typically have 12 weekly sessions, with most seeing improvement in symptoms after 5 to 7 weeks.

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgery for Urinary Incontinence

Urine leakage can be treated during pelvic organ prolapse surgery. This can be done through the abdomen, the vagina or both. In some cases, sutures are used to attach the vagina to strong tissue in the pelvis. A "sling" of tissue may be used to help support the bladder and urethra.

Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Hysterectomy
  The surgical removal of the uterus is used to treat uterine prolapse, among other conditions. This type of surgery can be performed through the vagina or the abdomen, and minimally invasive techniques may be used.
• Sacrocolpopexy
  This procedure involves removing the uterus, leaving the cervix in place and correcting the supportive structures of the vagina. Pelvic mesh or a "sling" of tissue may be used to support the pelvic structures. The procedure can be done laparoscopically, robotically or as a traditional open abdominal procedure.
• Vaginal Vault Suspension
  A vaginal vault suspension may be used to correct vaginal vault prolapse. During the procedure, the vagina is attached to strong tissue in the pelvis or to the sacrum (a bone at the base of the spine).
• Colpectomy and Colpocleisis
  For women who are no longer sexually active, this procedure removes the vaginal lining (colpectomy) and closes off the vaginal canal (colpocleisis) to prevent further prolapse.

For More Information

To learn more about Sharp's pelvic health services or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego pelvic health specialist or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm.