Pelvic Health and Urogynecology

Our expert team helps you get lasting relief from urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Care in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

Pelvic organ prolapse and urinary and fecal incontinence can all cause embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms that make it challenging to go about your daily life. But experts at UMass Memorial Health offer hope for healing. Our program is home to the largest team of fellowship-trained urogynecologists in the region. We deliver the latest therapies with compassion through our patient-centered, collaborative approach.

What Is Urogynecology?

Urogynecology is a specialty within obstetrics and gynecology dedicated to treating conditions related to the female pelvic floor. The pelvic floor supports the uterus, vagina, bladder, urethra and rectum. Dysfunction in the pelvic floor can affect one or more of these organs, leading to symptoms such as pelvic pain and bladder or bowel issues.

Conditions We Treat

You can count on us for thorough, personalized treatment of common and complex pelvic health conditions, such as: 

  • Cystocele
  • Fecal incontinence related to childbirth
  • Overactive bladder (OAB)
  • Pelvic organ (uterine) prolapse
  • Rectovaginal fistula
  • Urinary incontinence, including stress incontinence and urge incontinence

Are Urogynecology Services Right for Me?

You may benefit from an assessment if you are experiencing signs of pelvic floor dysfunction or pelvic organ prolapse.

Symptoms might include: 

  • Feeling or seeing a bulge coming out of the vagina
  • Experiencing vaginal fullness or aching that worsens throughout the day or after a bowel movement
  • Leaking urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing or doing certain types of exercise or movement
  • Leaking urine when standing up or trying to get to the bathroom
  • Difficulty eliminating urine
  • Leaking stool

Team Approach to Pelvic Health

For complex conditions, urogynecologists coordinate with other UMass Memorial specialists. Our extended team includes:

Why Choose Us for Pelvic Health and Urogynecology Care?

Urogynecology Expertise

You receive services from experts with advanced (fellowship) training in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery. Our providers have decades of experience and are recognized regionally and nationally for their skill and compassion.

They use the latest research-based methods to treat common and complex conditions. Although surgery may be the best solution, in some cases, we can treat patients with nonsurgical therapies. Get more information about pelvic floor dysfunction treatment.

Minimally Invasive Expertise for Complex Cases

Our team includes experts with advanced training in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). Using laparoscopic, robotic or vaginal approaches, surgeons perform procedures through small or no external incisions, leading to less pain and a faster recovery. Explore minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS).

Leadership

UMass Memorial is training the next generation of urogynecology leaders through a fellowship program. Only centers like ours — that treat a high volume of patients with complex medical histories while achieving outstanding outcomes — maintain this honor. These efforts mean you benefit from the skills of additional experts who are knowledgeable about the latest research in pelvic floor dysfunction.

Specialized Care in Worcester

Advanced urogynecology services are available at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. In the near future, we expect to offer services in UMass Milford (Milford Regional Medical Center) and UMass Southbridge (Harrington Hospital).

How to Access Pelvic Health and Urogynecology Services

A referral is necessary to access urogynecology services — even if your insurance does not require it. Start by talking with your primary care provider or a general obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) about your concerns.

They perform an assessment to determine whether you might benefit from standard treatments, such as dietary changes and medications. In addition, because other conditions can mimic pelvic organ prolapse, they confirm that urogynecology is the right service to care for you.  For more advanced conditions, they will issue a referral to one of our urogynecologists or other UMass Memorial specialists. 

For Providers: Refer a Patient

UMass Memorial providers can refer patients directly through Epic. Patients need to have a pelvic exam confirming the presence of prolapse before referring for prolapse. If patients need a screening pelvic exam for prolapse, they should be seen by our generalist OB-GYN service. Community providers can get help through our Physician Concierge Services. For assistance, call 800-431-5151 or email pcs@umassmemorial.org.

Call 800-431-5151 Email Physician Concierge Services

Explore Related Recommended Content

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises

The pelvic floor muscles may weaken due to aging, pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, injury, surgery, chronic cough, or lack of exercise. If the pelvic floor is weak, your bladder and other pelvic organs may sag out of place. The urethra may also open too easily and allow urine to leak out. Kegel exercises can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles so they can better support the pelvic organs and control urine flow.
Learn More about Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises

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