Women's Health Services
Treatment for Pelvic Relaxation
Pelvic relaxation affects over 30 million women in the US as a result of childbirth, aging or a combination of these and other factors that cause the pelvic floor to weaken, sag and no longer support the organs in the area. Depending on which organs are affected, patients may experience feelings of heaviness or fullness in the vagina, incontinence, abnormal bowel movements or a protuberance through the vaginal opening in more severe cases.
Our doctors provide a wide range of nonsurgical and surgical options for the treatment of pelvic relaxation to help patients return to a more comfortable lifestyle. Mild cases of pelvic relaxation can often be relieved through Kegel exercises, which aim to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Topical estrogen therapies or a vaginal pessary may also be recommended by your doctor to relieve symptoms and restore pelvic floor support.
Surgery for pelvic relaxation may be performed through minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery in order to repair the vagina and restore the displaced organs back to their original position with less pain and shorter recovery times. More traditional surgical procedures such as hysterectomy may also be performed.
Colposcopy
Colposcopy is a procedure used to magnify certain areas of the body and help diagnose abnormalities. A vulvar colposcopy typically examines lesions on the vulva and is often used to identify cancer or HPV. The procedure is done with a colposcope, a microscope that can help identify malignant lesions on the vulva. It is usually performed as a follow-up procedure to an abnormal pap smear. The exam itself is similar to a pap smear in that a speculum is inserted and the cervix may be cleaned. The colposcope is then placed to view the area at 10 to 40 times its normal size. If any abnormal cells are noticed, a biopsy of the tissue may be done. A colposcopy is a very safe procedure with few complications. Light bleeding or discharge for up to a week after the exam is normal.
LEEP
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is used to treat abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. During the procedure, the cells are removed to prevent development of cervical cancer.
Wire loops attached to an electrosurgical generator cut away the affected tissue, causing the cells to heat and burst. The removed tissue is then sent to a lab for further evaluation, including ensuring full removal and assessing the cause of the abnormal area. The procedure takes 20-30 minutes and can be performed in the office. A local anesthetic is administered to minimize pain. Mild pain or discomfort can still occur, but otherwise side effects are rare.
