Prisma Health Urogynecology – Columbia

Conditions we treat include:

• Prolapse: the main risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse is having had children. Other causes of pelvic support problems include:
  • Multiple children.
  • Advancing age.
  • Factors that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as obesity, constipation, and chronic coughing.
  • Genetic factors.
• Incontinence (urinary leakage): one of the most common pelvic floor disorders is urinary incontinence (UI). Urine leakage affects both men and women, although it is nearly twice as common in women. There are several types of urinary incontinence:
  • Stress urinary incontinence – loss of urine when a woman coughs, laughs, or sneezes. Leaks also can happen when a woman walks, runs, or exercises.
  • Urge incontinence – leakage of urine that is preceded by an urge to void but the inability to make it to the restroom in time. Some women find themselves “dribbling” on the way to the restroom.
  • Mixed incontinence – a combination of both stress and urge incontinence symptoms.
  • Overflow incontinence – loss of small amounts of urine when the bladder does not empty all the way during voiding.

Though common, UI should not be accepted as a normal result of aging. The choice to seek treatment is usually based on how bothersome the leakage is and how it affects your quality of life. There are lifestyle changes that can be used to help manage urine leakage. If any of these apply to you, you may want to consider making one or more of these changes.

• Lose weight. In overweight and obese women, losing weight has been shown to decrease urine leakage
• Avoid constipation. Repeated straining may damage the pelvic floor. Constipation can also worsen bladder leakage
• Perform pelvic floor muscle exercises (commonly known as Kegel exercises)
• Drink less fluids and limit intake of caffeine
• Seek treatment for chronic coughing
• Stop smoking

• Incontinence (Involuntary urinary or bowel leakage).
• Prolapse (Descent of pelvic organs, causing a bulge and/or pressure in the vagina).
• Emptying Disorders (Difficulty urinating or moving bowels).
• Pelvic or Bladder Pain (Discomfort, burning or other uncomfortable pelvic symptoms, including bladder or urethral pain).
• Overactive Bladder (urine frequency and urgency, or frequent night-time voiding).

To make an appointment, give us a call. Please remember:

• Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete a few forms.
• Bring insurance card and photo ID (such as a driver's license).
• Bring all medications you are currently taking.
• If you must cancel your appointment, please notify us 24 hours in advance.

After-hours care

Our practice has a provider on call each night and weekends to assure your care is in the best of hands.

Patients are responsible for understanding insurance coverage benefits. Please verify that we are listed as approved providers prior to scheduling your appointment with us.

• We accept most insurance plans.
• Payment is due at time of service.
• We accept cash, checks, debit and credit cards.