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Nonsurgical Pelvic Floor Treatments

Our multidisciplinary team at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health helps many people achieve lasting relief from pelvic floor disorders with nonsurgical treatments. Patients and referring doctors trust us because of our comprehensive approach and reputation for excellent outcomes.

Nonsurgical pelvic floor treatments: Why choose us?

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health offers a broad range of nonsurgical treatments. Our experts consider every available option, including pessaries, botulinum toxin injections and urethral bulking. We deliver comprehensive care that helps many patients avoid surgery.

Highlights of our program include: 

  • Team approach: Fellowship-trained urogynecologists, colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and other Virginia Mason Franciscan Health specialists work together to help you achieve the best possible results. Ours is one of the only programs in the region offering this multidisciplinary approach. Meet our team.

  • Appropriate care: In many cases, symptoms are due to multiple conditions, like incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction. A thorough evaluation enables us to make an accurate diagnosis so that you receive the best treatments for your needs. Explore the pelvic floor disorders we treat.

  • Patient-centered approach: When you’re seeking treatment for a pelvic health issue, it’s natural to have questions. We address your concerns so you’ll feel confident about your care. Get started by reading answers to FAQs about pelvic floor services.

Standard nonsurgical pelvic floor treatments we offer

Our providers develop a personalized care plan based on your diagnosis and personal preferences. Standard treatments may include:

  • A pessary is a flexible, removable ring that presses against the vagina and urethra. This device helps manage pelvic organ prolapse and minimize leaks from stress incontinence. There are many different shapes and sizes of pessaries. Our providers will fit you for a pessary, insert the device and explain how to care for it.

  • Your symptoms may improve with changes to daily habits, such as: 

    • Bladder training, a type of behavioral therapy that helps you regain bladder control
    • Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption to avoid irritating your bladder or bowels
    • Losing excess weight to relieve pressure on your bladder or bowels
    • Modifying your exercise routine to include lower-impact activities like walking instead of running
    • Quitting smoking, which reduces coughing

  • There are many types of drugs to treat pelvic floor disorders. We may recommend medication to reduce stool frequency, relax bladder muscles or prevent bladder spasms, bowel spasms or both. No matter what symptoms you’re experiencing, we offer the latest approved medications to help relieve them.

  • We may also refer you to additional specialists, such as: 

    • Gastroenterologists and nutritionists to treat chronic constipation
    • Pelvic floor physical therapists to deliver specialized treatments that strengthen or relax pelvic floor muscles
    • Psychologists to help you cope with self-image and other emotional aspects of pelvic floor diseases

Advanced nonsurgical options for pelvic floor dysfunction

If standard treatments aren’t successful, we may recommend an advanced treatment. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health offers every available option. Your treatment may include: 

  • PTNS may be used to treat overactive bladder and urge incontinence. This treatment gently stimulates nerves that control bladder and pelvic floor function. Stimulation improves the nerve’s communication with the brain for better bladder control.

  • Botulinum toxin injections can be used to treat overactive bladder and urge incontinence. Injections slow muscle contractions, reducing urge and frequency. We deliver treatments using cystoscopy, an incisionless, minimally invasive procedure.

    We also use botulinum toxin for issues affecting the rectum and anus. Injections can improve muscle coordination, constipation and pain with bowel movements.

  • Urethral bulking treats stress incontinence. We inject substances that thicken the walls of the urethra near its connection to the bladder. Doing so helps the urethra form a tight seal, so you are less likely to experience leaks. Our specialists deliver this treatment using cystoscopy, typically during an office visit. 

    We hold ourselves to the highest standards and maintain excellent outcomes. These efforts have earned some of our locations recognition as a center of excellence from a leading bladder and bowel care company.

Want to know more?

When you’re considering surgery for a pelvic floor issue, it’s natural to have questions. During your appointment, we discuss any concerns you may have, making it easier to take an active role in your care. Get started by reading answers to FAQs about pelvic floor service.

Contact us

Our multidisciplinary team cares for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Our pelvic floor specialists