FAQs About Pelvic Floor Services

We are one of the few programs in the Puget Sound area and beyond with a pelvic health team that includes urogynecologists, gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons. These experts collaborate to diagnose and treat complex conditions, many of which involve multiple organs. This level of care helps more patients achieve exceptional outcomes.
 

A urogynecologist treats conditions affecting the pelvic organs, which include the bladder, rectum and female reproductive system. All of our specialists are board certified. Many have completed advanced fellowship training in the care of complex pelvic health issues. We also have decades of experience managing difficult-to-treat conditions. Find out more about the pelvic floor disorders we treat.
 

These fellowship-trained specialists help patients with pelvic health concerns affecting organs in the lower digestive tract. They deliver advanced care for issues such as fecal incontinence, severe constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, rectal prolapse or pelvic floor dysfunction. Surgeons collaborate with gastroenterologists and other specialists as necessary to ensure you receive timely, comprehensive care.
 

You may need a referral to access our pelvic health services. Talk to your primary care provider, gynecologist or urologist to find out more.
 

You may benefit from an evaluation if pelvic floor symptoms affect your usual activities. We frequently help patients with:

• Chronic constipation
• Feeling the need to always be near a bathroom
• Pelvic or rectal pain
• Painful sex
   

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health offers sophisticated diagnostic testing for pelvic floor disorders. We’re one of the few systems in the Puget Sound area offering video urodynamic studies for bladder-related issues. Many patients also benefit from in-office cystoscopy procedures, which enable us to accurately diagnose issues with fewer visits.
 

This treatment may relieve symptoms due to pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapy uses various techniques to strengthen or relax muscles and improve function.
 

Many patients get better and maintain lasting symptom relief with nonsurgical pelvic floor treatments. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we offer a broad range of options, including:

• Injections
• Medications
• Pessary (removable device that provides added support)
• Recommendations for diet, lifestyle and behavioral changes
   

We perform minimally invasive procedures that use small incisions and advanced technologies for a quicker, more comfortable recovery. Our experience treating some of the region’s most complex cases consistently leads to excellent outcomes. Explore surgery for pelvic floor disorders.