Our experts diagnose and treat a vast array of pelvic conditions for women at all ages. The Center for Pelvic Health offers comprehensive services that cover the very common to the rarest conditions that affect the pelvic region.
Urinary/Fecal Fistulas
Abnormal connections or holes, fistulas can develop between the bladder or urethra and/or the vagina or bowel. Depending on their location, fistulas can lead to severe or constant leaking of urine or fecal matter. Damage to the tissues that separate these anatomical structures can occur during an extended vaginal delivery due to the prolonged pressure of the baby’s head. Occasionally, fistulas arise after pelvic operations such as hysterectomy. Surgical repair is often advised to close the hole.
Blood in the Urine
Blood can cause your urine to look pink, red or light brown. Underlying causes of this condition include: urinary tract infections, kidney infection, bladder or kidney stones, cancer, medications and some foods.
Fecal Incontinence, bowel control
A loss of control over bowel movements happens when liquid or solid stool accidentally leaks from the rectum. Our team offers a wide range of treatment options for bowel-related issues.
Congenital Uterine Anomalies
Some women are born with congenital malformations of the uterus, the most common being uterine septum or “double uterus” that occurs when tissue in the uterus forms a wall or partition. This condition can lead to higher risk of miscarriage or premature birth. At the Center for Pelvic Health, our surgeons are skilled in performing hysteroscopic septum resection for women experiencing pregnancy issues or pain.
Adenomyosis
A benign condition, adenomyosis occurs when the normal lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows into the uterine muscle wall. It can cause severe cramping, heavy bleeding during your cycle and abdominal/pelvic pressure. Minimally invasive treatments may involve placement of a hormonal IUD, or in select cases removal of the endometrial tissue via surgical excision.
Vulvar Pain (vulvodynia)
Vulvodynia is pain that develops around the vulva (the outside of the vagina). A relatively uncommon condition, it can flare up after childbirth; an episode of cystitis; changes in circulating sex hormone levels; and after exposure to some medications. Certain foods, beverages, perfumes, detergents or even fabrics can set it off. Treatments range from changes to diet and sexual habits to physical therapy, topical vulvar creams, estrogen therapy, pain-blocking medications and local anesthetic injections.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Heavy periods or bleeding that happens outside of menstrual periods may be associated with abnormal uterine bleeding. This condition can have a variety of causes such as hormone changes and clotting.
Pudendal Neuralgia
The pudendal nerve provides sensation and normal muscle tone to much of the pelvic floor, including your bladder, anus and genitals. When the nerve is compressed—nerve entrapment—you can experience chronic pain in the vulvar, rectal and/or clitoral region.
Fertility Treatment
Abnormalities or scarring of the uterus can lead to infertility problems. Fibroids and polyps can change the structure and shape of the uterus. Endometriosis, infections, previous uterine surgeries or miscarriages can result in scar tissue buildup. At NorthShore, we offer minimally invasive hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatments to aid in fertility optimization.
For More Information
To schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, please call 224.251.CFPH (2374).