Offering the latest technology and treatment options
Do you know that one in four women over age 18 suffers from urinary incontinence? At the Novant Health Maya Angelou Women's Health & Wellness Center, we know women. And we know that millions of women suffer from urinary incontinence – leaking when they run, sneeze or laugh; constantly feeling that they need to go to the bathroom; feeling pressure, heaviness or a weakening of the pelvic muscles. That’s why we opened the regions only multidisciplinary pelvic health center.
For more information or to speak with a continence counselor, call:
Continence and Pelvic Floor Care Program
With the Continence and Pelvic Floor Care Program,
patients have access to a knowledgeable and dedicated female continence counselor. One confidential phone call will put
the patient at ease, refer her to a participating incontinence and pelvic floor
disorders specialist, and inform her of the latest technology and treatment
options ranging from lifestyle changes, exercise, medication and surgery. Our continence counselor and
expert physicians understand that there can be many causes for urinary
incontinence including:
- Overactive bladder
- Urinary tract blockage
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Weakness of the bladder or the muscles surrounding it
Pelvic floor disorders
Weakness or injury to pelvic muscles and ligaments in a woman can
cause pelvic floor disorder, a dropping, or prolapse, of the bladder, rectum
or uterus. When these supportive muscles, called the pelvic floor, become weak,
stretched or damaged, the pelvic organs may drop and even protrude into the
wall of the vagina causing a feeling of heaviness or pressure, like those
organs are dropping out. Some causes for pelvic floor disorders include:
- Pregnancy and a vaginal delivery
- Obesity
- Frequent straining during bowel movements
- Chronic coughing
- Heavy lifting
- Nerve disorders, injuries and tumors
- Hysterectomy
Once identified, urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders can be treated with:
- Lifestyle changes including scheduling bathroom breaks or Kegel exercises
- Medications
- Medical devices or gynecologic surgery