If you've ever leaked urine when you've sneezed, experienced pain during intercourse, felt a bulge in your vagina, or struggled with constipation issues, you might have a pelvic floor disorder, and a urogynecologist can help. These experts are specially trained in pelvic floor health and will help you tackle health issues that can sometimes feel difficult or uncomfortable to address.

What are pelvic floor disorders exactly?

First things first: "Your pelvic floor is the framework of muscles, bones, ligaments and connective tissues that line the bottom of the pelvis," says Dr. Aparna Shah, urogynecologist at The Christ Hospital. "When anything goes wrong with these structures that comprise the pelvic floor, the result is a pelvic floor disorder."

According to the Voices of Pelvic Floor Disorders organization, one out of four women over the age of 20 suffers from a pelvic floor disorder (PFD). These PFDs are caused by a variety of factors including, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause or simply aging. Additionally, weight, race, dietary factors, pelvic floor  injuries and heavy lifting, among other things,  can contribute to the development of pelvic floor disorders.

How can a urogynecologist help?

Urogynecologists are physicians who specialize in pelvic floor disorders. Millions of women struggle with pelvic floor disorders but don't realize that there is specialized care to help treat their issues. Pelvic floor disorders including but not limited to pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence can all be addressed and rectified.

Our urogynecology team is your partner in pelvic floor health. Our goal is to empower women to take control of their health and well-begin. We offer personalized, compassionate care to our patients, as well as a variety of treatment options and support services. The Christ Hospital is also considered a leader in the Urogynecology field. We are proud to be the first hospital in the United States to use the innovative MonaLisa Touch™ laser procedure in a clinical trial to help patients with vaginal and vulvar atrophy. 

Our urogynecology team also works closely with The Christ Hospital Pelvic Floor Center to give our patients access to the best specialized pelvic floor care in the TriState area. 

Would you like to learn more about pelvic floor disorders and other urogynecology issues? Schedule an appointment online with one of our Women's Health specialists today or learn more about pelvic floor health and when it's time to see a urogynecology specialist.