Urogynecology (Treating Incontinence)

Many women believe that incontinence is a natural and irreversible result of bearing children or aging. The truth is that most women who experience incontinence or prolapse can be treated successfully either with nonsurgical therapy or corrective surgery through Advocate Christ Medical Center’s urogynecology services.

A urogynecologist is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist who has completed a fellowship (two to three additional years of training) in treating problems related to women’s urinary and reproductive tracts, especially urinary incontinence and pelvic relaxation. It also includes the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (dropped bladder or womb), chronic bladder infections, difficulty urinating, urinary retention, interstitial cystitis, general gynecological care and fecal incontinence.

Many women with mild to moderate urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse find relief from non-surgical therapy such as: behavior therapy (lifestyle modification, bladder retraining, pelvic muscle exercise, biofeedback and electrical stimulation); specialized devices (rubber devices worn in the vagina to alleviate the symptoms of pelvic relaxation or urethral continence devices); or medication.

When conservative treatments are not effective, other options include pelvic reconstructive surgery, laparoscopic surgery or periurethral collagen injections.

Our urogynecologic services include a wide range of evaluations, including complete physical exam, gynecologic exam, Pap smears, urinalysis, cystometry, multichannel urodynamics, uroflowmetry, cystoscopy, hysteroscopy and second opinions.

Urogynecology services are available on the medical center campus in Oak Lawn, and at the Women’s Health Center in Tinley Park. To find a urogynecologist, click on the Doctor Directory.