Pelvic Floor and Bladder Program
Pelvic issues are a common concern for women of all ages. Sometimes symptoms of more serious conditions are associated with the process of aging or changes due to pregnancy. The Pelvic Floor and Bladder Program is located in the NCH Women’s Center where you’ll find a relaxing and inviting atmosphere and expert care for all of your pelvic and bladder health needs. They are dedicated to providing comprehensive bladder disorder treatments so that patients are free of the symptoms that limit daily activities.
Urinary incontinence affects all aspects of your life and can leave you feeling embarrassed and frustrated. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we provide comprehensive diagnostic testing and customized treatment to eliminate your incontinence.
Successful treatment of urinary incontinence begins with accurate diagnosis. Urinary incontinence is a physical disorder that can be treated and usually cured with a non-invasive, non-surgical approach.
Our team of specialists provides comprehensive clinical care and minimally-invasive surgical treatments for pelvic floor disorders, childbirth injury, complications from gynecologic surgery and congenital genitourinary disorders.
Don’t hesitate to talk to your provider about any pelvic health or bladder symptoms you are experiencing, or get a consultation with one of our pelvic and bladder experts.
Conditions we treat
- Stress incontinence
- Urge incontinence
- Urinary frequency/urgency
- Prenatal and postpartum back
- Interstitial cystitis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Overactive bladder
- Fecal incontinence
- Chronic constipation
- Rectal pain
- Pelvic floor muscle coordination
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
- Post urogenital/gynecologic cancer treatment
- Pain with intercourse/sexual dysfunction
- Levator Ani Syndrome
- Vaginismus
- Vulvodynia
Treatments and testing
Pelvic floor physical therapy – A comprehensive physical therapy approach for a variety of incontinence and pelvic pain conditions. Specially trained physical therapists incorporate education with treatment modalities and exercises to improve bowel and bladder control by promoting core and pelvic floor muscle strength, activation, coordination or relaxation, to improve bowel and bladder function and reduce pelvic pain.
Biofeedback – EMG Biofeedback is a type of therapy that uses sensors to help with pelvic floor muscle strengthening and relaxation. This has been shown to be effective for 85% of patients with urinary incontinence. It is non-invasive, pain-free and has no side effects. It is one of the most cost-effective treatments available today.
Botox – Botox injection treatment is for patients suffering from overactive bladder. It is a minimally invasive treatment that lasts for six months or longer.
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) – A minimally-invasive neuromodulation treatment for use in overactive bladder and associated symptoms of urinary frequency/urgency and urge incontinence when more conservative measures have failed.
Interstim – This is an implantable device that electronically stimulates sacral nerves to help control bladder function in patients with urinary frequency/urgency.
Urethral bulking – A urethral bulking injection is a procedure that is used to treat urinary incontinence in women. During the procedure, bulking agents are injected into the walls of the urethra to help close the sphincter and help patients gain control over their urine flow.
Electrical stimulation – This is a technique used to elicit a muscle contraction using electrical impulses. Electrodes, controlled by a unit, are placed on the skin over a predetermined area. It helps in muscle strengthening, relaxation and identification.
Behavior modification, nutrition and lifestyle changes – Physical and mental techniques can help decrease the frequency of urinary incontinence in many individuals. We offer guidance in modifying things you have control over, such as changes in diet or daily routine.
Medication – Medications can be used to temporarily treat conditions in conjunction with other treatments.
Minimally-invasive surgical treatments – Minimally invasive surgery involves small incisions in the body to limit post-operative pain and reduce recovery time.
Urodynamics – Urodynamics is a test of the bladder, sphincters and urethra to evaluate the process of urination.
Finding the Cause
Staff
Treatment Methods
Behavior Modification
Surgery
In certain cases, medical treatments are not effective in controlling incontinence. Certain patients are candidates for a minimally invasive procedure called TVT.
The TVT procedure is a simple, quick (usually less than 30 minutes), minimally invasive treatment for women with stress urinary incontinence. Patients are ready to be released from the hospital the day-of or the morning-after their sling placement. The recovery period following the procedure is short. Most women return to their regular routine in just a day or two.
The video below is from Randall C. Kahan M.D. about bladder control issues in woman. Topics cover are urinary incontinence, knowing your body, post menopausal changes and treatment options. Dr. Kahan is the Director of WomanCare Center for bladder control.
Valerie Boeldt-Umbright
Valerie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in community health education from Northern Illinois University. She attended Waubonsee College to complete her nursing degree and is board certified as a Continence Care nurse.
While training in biofeedback therapy at the University of Illinois, Chicago, she managed their Incontinence Clinic and specialized in urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, and elimination disorders. Valerie has traveled cross country setting up incontinence clinics and training nurses in biofeedback therapy while employed by a biofeedback manufacturing company and service provider.
Location:
NCH Women’s Center
880 W. Central Road, Third Floor Arlington Heights, IL 60005
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Contact Us
Appointments are scheduled by calling (847) 618-0950.