McLaren OB/GYN Associates
1010 N. Linden Rd.
Flint, MI 48532
(810) 732-3660
A woman’s body is unique. When a medical condition arises that is both unique and personal to women, it is important to talk to a doctor. Treatable medical conditions many women face include urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse. Although some women may feel embarrassed discussing intimate medical concern, the medical professionals at McLaren’s Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Reconstruction Clinic are available to listen, evaluate and help. The Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Reconstruction Clinic combines physicians from the specialties of urology and gynecology to accurately diagnose and recommend treatment within a limited number of visits.
Pelvic prolapse is basically a hernia in the pelvis, where one or more of the pelvic organs have fallen from their normal position due to a weakening or injury of the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding connective tissue. Pelvic organ prolapse is a very common medical condition usually caused by either direct or indirect damage to the pelvis and pelvic support structure. When the bladder falls from its original position, urinary incontinence – the involuntary loss of urine from the bladder- may result. Urination is a fairly complex function of various muscles and nerves. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a disruption in normal bladder control to occur.
Discussing the condition with your doctor is the first step toward finding the treatment that is right for you. McLaren Flint has developed a multidisciplinary Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Reconstruction Clinic, dedicated to expertise in the proper diagnosis and the latest treatments available to achieve good bladder control and/or correct pelvic prolapse. At our Clinic, you can be seen, evaluated and treated with a limited number of examinations, thereby reducing time and excessive costs to you.
About Pelvic Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse – also called female genital prolapse- occurs when the structure of the pelvis protrudes into or outside of the vaginal canal.
It is estimated that 50% of women who have had even one childbirth lose pelvic floor strength. About 10-38% of these women, suffer from full blown prolapse. Other factors such as obesity, increased age, decreased hormone levels (especially estrogen), and long-term pressure contribute to the weakening of the pelvic floor.
What are the different types of pelvic prolapse?
Below is a list of the medical classification sites for the different types of female genital prolapse.Cystocele- prolapse of the bladder
Urethocele – prolapse of the urethra
Uterine prolapse – prolapse of the uterus
Vaginal vault prolapse – prolapse of the vagina
Enterocele – prolapse of the small bowel
Rectocele – prolapse of the rectum
Pelvic organ prolapse is affected by aging. Levels of the hormone estrogen decrease during menopause. Collagen levels, which help the connective tissue of the pelvis stretch, decline as estrogen levels decrease. Declining levels of collagen lead to increased pressure on the urethra and urinary incontinence.
About Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary leakage of urine. The problem afflicts millions of adults in the United States, 85% of them being women. Men may experience a loss of bladder control as a result of prostate enlargement and the treatment of prostate cancer. Women experience incontinence more often than men as a result of pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, and the structure of the female urinary tract. Among women, the problem is most commonly associated with a specific condition called stress urinary incontinence.
What are the different types of incontinence?
Stress Incontinence -is involuntary loss of urine during physical movement (coughing, sneezing, exercising, laughing, lifting). In describing this condition the word "stress" does not refer to emotional stress, but the stress of increased physical pressure on the bladder.
Urge Incontinence – is often referred to as "overactive bladder". It is the leakage of large amounts of urine at unexpected times, including during sleep. Those with urge incontinence feel a strong uncontrollable need to urinate. They may also feel the need to urinate often.
Functional Incontinence – is untimely urination because of physical disability, external obstacles, or problems in thinking or communicating that prevent a person from reaching a toilet.
Overflow Incontinence – is unexpected leakage of small amounts of urine because of a full bladder. The bladder may also never feel completely empty.
Mixed Incontinence – is defined as having more than one type of incontinence occur at the same time, usually the occurrence of stress and urge incontinence together.
Transient Incontinence – is the leakage that occurs temporarily because of a condition that will pass (infection, medication).
The Incontinence and Pelvic Reconstruction Clinic brings together the physician specialties of urology and gynecology along with primary care physicians.
McLaren is the first medical center in the area to offer combined urogynecological services, focusing on the specific needs of women with these conditions. Physicians specializing in urology and gynecology use the multidisciplinary approach to provide patients with individualized treatment options based on collaborative evaluations. These services are provided conveniently at McLaren Specialty Care Services, located at G-3200 Beecher Road, in Flint.
What’s unique about the Clinic?
At our Clinic, a team of medical specialists meets regularly for an in-depth discussion regarding the best course of treatment for the individual patient. "Waiting time" for treatment recommendation is, at most, a few hours.
Typically, the experiences of those with urinary incontinence, with or without pelvic organ prolapse, involve numerous appointments with specialists, spread out over the course of several weeks, and sometimes with conflicting opinions. McLaren’s Incontinence and Pelvic Reconstruction Clinic is designed to ensure that treatment choices are presented clearly and promptly.
Our physicians and staff know that pelvic discomfort and urinary dysfunction disrupts daily life. The team of professionals at the Incontinence and Pelvic Reconstruction Clinic strive to eliminate any disruptions in the treatment process.
What should I expect at my first visit?
Your exam:
Come to the appointment prepared to discuss how your incontinence occurs and/or any pelvic discomfort. Because certain medications can cause or worsen urinary incontinence, the doctor will ask about any medications you are currently taking.
Both the urologist and gynecologist will obtain detailed information on your voiding and gynecological history and perform a physical examination.
Those patients experiencing urinary incontinence will be scheduled to have a bladder function test (also known as a a urodynamic study) and cystoscopy. These and some other common tests are described below.
Tests you may receive:
Urinalysis and Culture- A sample of urine is tested for signs of infection.
Cystoscopy- Allows the doctor to look inside the bladder with a small, fiber-optic scope.
Urodynamics- A series of tests that measure pressures within the bladder and the rate your urine flows out.
Recommendation:
After your exam, a "best course treatment is recommended. Questions are answered directly by the physicians, and any special needs or considerations are also discussed.
What other incontinence services are provided at the Clinic?
In addition to the expertise and guidance provided during the initial appointment, those with urinary dysfunction are provided a host of services throughout the diagnostic, treatment, recovery and rehabilitation stages of their care plan.
If needed, nutritionists will provide one-on-one nutritional counseling that will be important to after-care and lifelong health. For those who require follow-up care to strengthen muscle control and structures weakened from surgery or other treatment; referrals are provided to appropriate health care professionals, including physical and occupational therapists.
Treatment and Technology
Our clinic offers some of the most sophisticated technology and treatment for urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse in mid Michigan.
Non-Surgical
Biofeedback
Drug Therapy
Pelvic Floor Stimulation
Surgical
Slings – bladder suspension surgery
Collagen injections
Neuro-electrical implants – Interstim Therapy for:
- Urinary control
- Bladder Pacing Sacral Anterior Root Stimulation (SARS)
Additional Treatment Options:
Pessaries – donut shaped rings to help reposition the urethra
Kegel exercises – exercises to strengthen the pelvic and sphincter muscles
Bladder training – scheduling used in combination with biofeedback treatment
Catheterization – periodic insertion of a catheter
Pelvic Reconstruction
If you should require surgical treatment to correct an incontinent bladder or other conditions associated with the pelvic region, including all elements of pelvic prolapse, feel confident that you are in very good hands. Our surgeons are specially trained and have extensive experience correcting irregularities and reconstructing the pelvic floor region.
Will my primary care physician be kept updated about my treatment?
Your primary care physician is a valued member of your personal health care team, and we keep them apprised of your urinary incontinence treatment plan. A copy of the recommended treatment plan will be sent to your primary care/family physician unless you notify us otherwise. In addition, your family physician is invited to attend the conference.
At the McLaren Incontinence and Pelvic Reconstruction Clinic, we know that a loss of bladder control and pelvic prolapse is distressing. Our goal is to provide the most optimal experience for every patient, ensuring peace of mind and the smoothest road possible to recovery and rehabilitation.
Questions for our Clinic?
We are glad to answer any questions you may have. Those with questions regarding female urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse should contact (810) 732-3660.
Men seeking treatment for urinary dysfunction will be evaluated at Urological Services, P.C. located at G-1121 W. Hill Road in Flint. Their phone number is (810) 232-8888.
Meet the Medical Director:
The McLaren Incontinence Clinic for Urinary Dysfunction is operated under the direction of
Stephen C. Wang, M.D.
Stephen C. Wang, M.D.
Board certified in urology, Dr. Wang is a member of Urology Services P.C. specialty care team, offering care for patients with illnesses of the urinary tract. He completed his training at the University of Michigan Medical Center, specializing in urinary incontinence. He was the co-director of the Uro/Gynecology program at the University of Michigan. He is currently chief of the Division of Urology at McLaren Flint and Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
The Gynecological staff:
A team of board certified obstetrician/gynecologists offer care for women requiring gynecological health care. These physicians are dedicated to providing each patient with skilled and compassionate care.
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