OhioHealth Urogynecology: You Don’t Have To Suffer in Silence
Many women live with bladder leaks, pelvic pressure or constipation, assuming it’s normal or feeling too embarrassed to talk about it. But Kasey Palm, MD, a urogynecologist at OhioHealth Jerome Medical Offices, wants women to know they don’t have to suffer in silence.
Urogynecology is a subspecialty that focuses on female pelvic floor disorders, like prolapse, incontinence, constipation, urinary retention and recurrent urinary tract infections. Urogynecologists are trained to treat issues involving the bladder, bowel and vagina when they no longer work in sync.
“Pelvic floor disorders are extremely common,” Dr. Palm said. “But many women do not feel comfortable discussing these issues, even with their doctor.”
Pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence are two of the most common and most underdiscussed issues that Dr. Palm treats.
“It’s believed that most women have some degree of prolapse, although it may not be symptomatic or need treatment,” she said. “The typical symptoms include pelvic pressure or the sensation of something coming out of the vagina.”
In more advanced cases, a women might see part of the vaginal wall protruding. Other symptoms might include urinary of bowel leakage, constipation or even low pelvic or back pain.
Urinary incontinence, which can affect up to 70 percent of women over 60, might appear as leaking with movement, like coughing or laughing, or as a sudden need to go without warning. Dr. Palm encourages women to seek care if they experience any of these symptoms, as well as frequent urinary tract infections or pelvic discomfort.
“Most pelvic floor disorders are not dangerous or life-threatening. However, they can severely impact a woman's quality of life, and they deserve treatment if they are interfering with a woman's daily activities,” she said.
As Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Awareness Month approaches in August, Dr. Palm hopes to bring more attention to these conditions. She offers a range of treatments, from pelvic floor physical therapy to procedures like bladder Botox and minimally invasive surgeries.
“Personalized care is at the forefront of urogynecology,” she said. “One patient might be bothered by bladder leaks, the other by the feeling of pressure or bulging. Both patients may have identical prolapse and incontinence objectively, but their treatment plans will look very different due to the subjective differences in their experiences and goals.”
Pelvic floor dysfunction can start at any age, and Dr. Palm encourages people to care for their health early by practicing safe exercise habits and strengthening the core and pelvic floor muscles. But even if symptoms show up later in life, it’s never too late to speak up.
“I have had several patients who have come into the office feeling fearful because they feel like they have put off their problem for too long, and now it is too late. Or they are worried that I will judge them for their situation. This is never the case. My partners and I all chose this job because we love helping women work through these sensitive issues, and we will be here with you until we uncover a solution that works for you.”
To learn more about urogynecology at OhioHealth, click here.
