The field of Urogynecology (a subspecialty within Obstetrics and Gynecology) is dedicated to the treatment of women with pelvic floor disorders such as urinary or fecal incontinence and prolapse (bulging or falling) of the vagina, bladder and/or the uterus.

Urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) is a very common condition affecting at least 10-20% of women under age 65 and up to 56% of women over the age of 65. While incontinence also affects men, it occurs much more commonly in women.

Prolapse simply means displacement from the normal position. When this word is used to describe the female organs, it usually means bulging, sagging or falling. It can occur quickly, but usually happens over the course of many years. On average, 11% of women will undergo surgery for this condition.

Prolapse and incontinence frequently occur together. Both conditions are believed to result from damage to the pelvic floor after delivering a baby. Other possible factors in the development of prolapse and incontinence are very heavy lifting on a daily basis, chronic coughing, severe constipation and obesity.

The Urinary Incontinence Services at LCMH for Women offers the benefit from two specialities rather than one. Various aspects of diagnosis and treatment for urinary incontinence are handled simultaneously through a close working relationship between the different specialties.

Working together, our gynecologists and urologists utilize cutting edge technology to receive an accurate diagnosis.  Patients may benefit from medication, physiotherapy or surgery, as well.

Our surgeons are skilled in vaginal laparoscopic and abdominal surgery with an emphasis on a minimally invasive approach. Many surgeries, especially those for stress incontinence (a dropped bladder) in female patients, may require only a short hospital stay. In addition, more sophisticated surgeries such as bladder reconstruction and continent urinary diversion (where the patient is no longer required to wear external appliance after bladder removal) are performed at the LCMH Oak Park campus. Non-surgical therapies are also available including biofeedback, pelvic muscle rehabilitation, vaginal pessaries and neuromodulation.