Pelvic Health Center

 

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Washington, DC Pelvic Floor Disorder Specialists

The Center for Pelvic Health at The GW Medical Faculty Associates is a unique program where urologists, colorectal surgeons, and gynecologists work together to treat bladder and bowel control problems. Patients are active participants in attaining an accurate diagnosis and determining the best treatment program to meet their needs.

The multi-disciplinary team of specialists treats the full range of incontinence problems, including complex cases. Problems with incontinence can be difficult to identify. The Center for Pelvic Health’s unique approach combines the knowledge of physicians from different specialties to diagnose problems and offer customized treatment options. After treatment patients can expect to return to daily life activities with confidence.

Diagnosing Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

Specialists with The Center for Pelvic Health capture a thorough history and conduct testing to lead to the proper diagnosis. Patients are asked about symptoms, frequency of incontinence and the impact on daily life activities. In addition to routine blood and urine tests, diagnostic imaging such as x-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and pelvic ultrasound may be used to look at organs and structures inside the lower abdomen.

When extensive tests are required to complete the diagnosis process, the Center’s specialists use a range of diagnostic tests to determine bladder and urinary muscle function, and evaluate the structures of the pelvic organs.

Restoring Bladder and Bowel Control

The loss of bladder or bowel control is more than embarrassing. Uncontrolled leaks of urine or feces make maintaining good hygiene and a normal lifestyle a challenge. While millions of women and men experience incontinence, many people suffer in silence. Many believe the loss of control is a normal part of aging, or the only available treatment options require painful surgery.

Incontinence can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in women. A range of treatment options are available, including therapies that don’t require surgery. The right combination of physicians can provide an accurate diagnosis and lead to the most appropriate treatments to restore bladder and bowel function.

What Causes Disorders of the Pelvic Floor?

The muscles and connective tissue that supports the pelvic organs—the bladder, bowel, rectum, and urethra—are called the pelvic floor. This sling of muscles and tissue are designed to support the pelvic organs throughout an individual’s life. When the pelvic floor becomes weaken or injured, the result can be embarrassing leakage, loss of bladder and bowel control, and also pelvic organ prolapse.