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"Vaginal Relaxation" is a very common and embarrassing medical condition suffered by women who have undergone vaginal childbirth. Vaginal Relaxation is the medical term used by physicians, but most women and men refer to it as "loose vagina."

Vaginal Relaxation refers specifically to the loss of "vaginal tone" or vaginal tightness of the vagina as well as the vagina's supporting structures. 

The symptoms of Vaginal Relaxation are usually first recognized after a woman has her first vaginal childbirth.  However, the symptoms of Vaginal Relaxation become increasingly bothersome with each vaginal childbirth and worsen as a woman approaches menopause.

Some physicians and medical researchers believe that Vaginal Relaxation is a "disruption" of the vagina and its supporting vaginal ligaments - rather than a "stretching" during vaginal childbirth, and that this then leads to "Vaginal Relaxation."

Do I have "Vaginal Relaxation?" Symptoms of Vaginal Relaxation include:

• Women with Vaginal Relaxation complain (as well as many husbands!) of a loss of vaginal tightness. 

• Women describe that their vagina feels as if there is a "protrusion," "bulging" or "falling" feeling.

• Low back pain

• Painful intercourse

• Difficulty initiating urination or stress urinary incontinence. 

• Pelvic pain or pressure

Over 35 million American women (and their husbands) are suffering from Vaginal Relaxation or a loose vagina. Today, women can cure the problem and end the embarrassment of Vaginal Relaxation with a simple and very common medical procedure that takes less than one hour in a doctor's office to complete! 

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Facts About Female Sexual Dysfunction &

 Female Erectile Dysfunction or "Female ED"

       *   43% of all women (and therefore, their husbands/partners as well) are suffering from various types
            of Female Sexual Dysfunction, also called "Female Sexual Problems."

       *   50% more women than men, are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction, which is referred to as
            "Female Erectile Dysfunction" or "Female ED."

       *   Many people fail to recognize that unless a woman's clitoris is fully erect, that she is incapable of
            reaching an orgasm.

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Vaginal Relaxation?

Ladies, is your loose vagina causing you embarrassment or have you lost the joy of intimacy?  

If one or more vaginal childbirths have caused your vagina to become loose, and "not tight", he has probably noticed as well. You can once again, have the "tight vagina" of your youth! 

What you, and he are experiencing, is something called "Vaginal Relaxation," the medical jargon for "loose vagina."

Vaginal Relaxation?

Did you know that over 35 - 40 million American women (and their husbands) are suffering loss of joy and intimacy due to "Vaginal Relaxation?" 

Have you or your husband noticed that the thrill of intimacy you and he used to enjoy has been diminished due to the loss of your vagina's tightness?

Stop the Suffering! 
Our Board Certified Physicians have 
Extensive Experience in Solving
Intimacy Problems Related to 
Vaginal Relaxation!

Our doctors can treat and cure your (or your wife's) 
"Vaginal Relaxation" Problems!

“Vaginal Relaxation” is often referred to as a “loose vagina” wherein the vagina is not as tight as it once was, whether due to vaginal childbirth, age, or other vaginal trauma. The vagina has become relaxed, or loose, and now it has become a problem for the woman, as well as her husband/partner.

Some women, as another symptom of Vaginal Relaxation, have problems controlling their urine in certain situations or notice changes in their bowel habits. These symptoms of Vaginal Relaxation are typically related to one or more problems that occur as a result of vaginal childbirth, other vaginal trauma, aging or a combination of the above.  

There is hope!  Women, and their husbands/partners, no longer need to suffer from Vaginal Relaxation.  More and more doctors are treating women and couples suffering from Vaginal Relaxation with treatments – sometimes including surgery – that will help them return to a life without the embarrassment, disappointments and heartache of the symptoms and discomforts associated with Vaginal Relaxation.

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What is "Nerve Stimulation" and how does Nerve Stimulation help patients?

There are various types of nerve stimulation, each with its own protocols for treating various ailments and conditions.

One type of nerve stimulation is for treating people with moderate to severe depression.  Depression can be a very serious and life-threatening condition that may require life-long management and treatment.  Treating depression may sometimes have a lower than hoped for success rate and estimates indicate that more than half of all patients with depression have relapses. Anti-depressant drugs and medication may lessen symptoms but may not relieve all of the symptoms in some patients.

Seizures also do not always respond to treatment. Some patients have tried two or more medications and still have seizures, as well as side effects from the drugs, both of which affect their quality of life.

Vagus nerve stimulators are a small medial device that are implanted under the skin of the chest.  A very small wire runs to the patient's vagus nerve, which is then stimulated by the device, in the same manner a pacemaker works.  In general, patients with depression normally experience an improvement in alertness, energy. memory, their depression improves as a result. better mood. These quality-of-life benefits improve over time. 

Vagus nerve stimulators, in general, have proven to be a safe and effective way to control seizures and lessen the severity of depression.   Because Vagus nerve stimulators are used, drugs are usually not required, and there are no side effects that are associated with anti-depressant or seizure-control medications.

See:  www.DepressionHelp.net  for more information about depression.

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Pelvic Organ Prolapse
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Pelvic Prolapse and Pelvic Organ Prolapse 

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at the BEST website address for Pelvic Organ Prolapse!

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Advertising inquiries may be directed to:
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info@PelvicOrganProlapse.com

____________________________________________________________________________________________

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic Organ Prolapse or Pelvic Prolapse, is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapsee in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic Organ Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, urogenital prolapse or vaginal vault prolapse.

What is Pelvic Prolapse?

Pelvic Prolapse is another term used for "Pelvic Organ Prolapse."  Pelvic Prolapse is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, urogenital prolapse or vaginal vault prolapse.

What are the symptoms that indicate a woman is suffering from  Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

• Loss of bladder control.

• Loss of bowel control.

• Increasing need and frequency to urinate - and then difficulty in completely emptying your bladder.

• The feelings that your of pelvic or vaginal heaviness, bulging, fullness and/or pain, or a feeling that something is "dropping."

• Recurrent bladder infections.

• Excessive vaginal discharge.

• Pain or lack of sensation during sex

But Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a real, common and treatable problem. Consider this:

About half of all women over age 50 suffer from some degree of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

One in 10 women undergo surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse by age 80.

What is Pelvic Reconstruction?

Pelvic Reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed by gynecologists or uro-gynecologies to repair pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal vault prolapse, among types of prolapse, and to correct the problem(s) and relieve the symptoms. 

Typically, Pelvic Reconstruction is performed vaginally and uses an implant to reinforce the strength of the weakened pelvic tissues. 

What is a Prolapsed Uterus?

A Prolapsed Uterus refers to a collapsed uterus, or descended uterus, or other change in the position of the uterus in relation to the surrounding structures within the pelvis. The pelvis contains many soft tissue structures vital to normal body functions, supported primarily by the diaphragms, layers of muscles, fibrous coverings called fasciae, and various ligaments and tendons. These soft tissues of the pelvis derive their ultimate support from the bony pelvis. 

A Prolapsed Uterus may be one of three types, depending on the severity:

• First-degree prolapse occurs when the uterus sags downward into the upper
vagina.

• Second-degree prolapse occurs when the cervix is at or near the outside of the
vagina.

• Third-degree prolapse (sometimes referred to as total prolapse) occurs when the entire uterus extends outside the vagina.

What is Labia Reduction Surgery?

More and more women are seeking "female genital surgery" to correct problems relating to their vulvas whether they are unhappy with the looks of their vulva or if their elongated labia minora are causing them pain or embarrassment - female genital surgery can correct these problems.

Some of the more common reasons given by women to seek female genital surgery include;  

• labia minora (smaller lips of the vulva) are uneven, mis-shapen or elongated

• one of the labia minora lips is longer than the other

• labia minora feel "floppy"   

• no longer able to wear a bikini or favorite swimsuit because you are afraid that your labia minora may "fall out" of the bikini

• long labia minora cause pain during intercourse or when wearing tight jeans.

• clitoral hood has excess skin which is either unsightly or interferes with sexual pleasure

• too much skin surrounding your clitoris

• after childbirth, my vagina seems too loose, and intercourse doesn't feel the same

• your vagina feels like it is "gaping" open  

• intercourse is no longer pleasurable, for you - or for him and doesn't feel as good as it once did 

What you, and he, are experiencing, is something called "Vaginal Relaxation" the medical term for having a "loose vagina."

These are just some of the complaints we regularly hear from women who want to improve their vulva and how it looks (and feels) - and what we call "cosmetic gynecology." 

Cosmetic gynecology may be what you have been looking for!  Look great, feel great, we can help you have the labia minora, vagina or vulva you always dreamed of!

What is Labial Reduction?

More and more women are seeking "female genital surgery" to correct problems relating to their vulvas whether they are unhappy with the looks of their vulva or if their elongated labia minora are causing them pain or embarrassment - female genital surgery can correct these problems.

Some of the more common reasons given by women to seek female genital surgery include;  

• labia minora (smaller lips of the vulva) are uneven, mis-shapen or elongated

• one of the labia minora lips is longer than the other

• labia minora feel "floppy"   

• no longer able to wear a bikini or favorite swimsuit because you are afraid that your labia minora may "fall out" of the bikini

• long labia minora cause pain during intercourse or when wearing tight jeans.

• clitoral hood has excess skin which is either unsightly or interferes with sexual pleasure

• too much skin surrounding your clitoris

• after childbirth, my vagina seems too loose, and intercourse doesn't feel the same

• your vagina feels like it is "gaping" open  

• intercourse is no longer pleasurable, for you - or for him and doesn't feel as good as it once did 

What you, and he are experiencing, is something called "Vaginal Relaxation" the medical term for having a "loose vagina."

These are just some of the complaints we regularly hear from women who want to improve their vulvar looks - we call it "cosmetic gynecology" and cosmetic gynecology may be what you have been looking for!  Look great, feel great, we can help you have the labia minora, vagina or vulva you always dreamed of!

What is Gynecologic Urology?

Gynecologic Urology, also referred to as Uro-gynecology, is a subspecialty within the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Uro-gynecology's specialty is female pelvic disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse (bulges that extend from the uterus into the vagina or extend out of the vagina), urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence and constipation. 

Doctors that complete their residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, then go onto complete fellowship training in Uro-gynecology, where they spend several years focusing only on Uro-gynecology and female pelvic disorders.


What is Adhesiolysis?

Treatment for the removal of Pelvic Adhesions is through a surgical procedure called "adhesiolysis."  The adhesiolysis procedure may involve cutting and releasing the adhesions during a laparoscopy procedure or treating the adhesions during a laparotomy.

What are Pelvic Adhesions?

Pelvic adhesions are bands of scarlike tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body. Inflammation from infection, surgery, or trauma can cause tissues to bond to other tissues or organs.

Pelvic adhesions are the cause of many gynecological problems including significant pain, infertility and conception. Pelvic adhesions are irritations of a woman's pelvic organs as a result of a "pelvic inflammatory event" or from trauma to the area such as in the case of pelvic or gynecological surgery.

What is a Prolapsed Uterus?

A Prolapsed Uterus refers to a collapsed uterus, or descended uterus, or other change in the position of the uterus in relation to the surrounding structures within the pelvis. The pelvis contains many soft tissue structures vital to normal body functions, supported primarily by the diaphragms, layers of muscles, fibrous coverings called fasciae, and various ligaments and tendons. These soft tissues of the pelvis derive their ultimate support from the bony pelvis. 

A Prolapsed Uterus may be one of three types, depending on the severity:

• First-degree prolapse occurs when the uterus sags downward into the upper vagina.

• Second-degree prolapse occurs when the cervix is at or near the outside of the vagina.

• Third-degree prolapse (sometimes referred to as total prolapse) occurs when the entire uterus extends outside the vagina.

What is Perineoplasty?

Perineoplasty, also known as "Perineorrhaphy,"is one of the fastest growing elective medical procedures and is the reparative or plastic surgery of the perineum which helps women with problems with vaginal opening laxity or looseness - medically referred to as "Vaginal Relaxation."  Many also incorrectly call this procedure "vaginoplasty" or "vaginaplasty."

Perineorrhaphy is the reconstruction of the muscles and tissues at the opening of the vagina and has successfully decreased the vaginal "introitus" or size of the vaginal opening. Perineorrhaphy does NOT reduce sexual sensation, in fact, properly performed, Perineorrhaphy INCREASES sensation for the woman as well as her husband.

What is Colporrhaphy? 

Colporrhaphy is the surgical repair of the vaginal wall. This includes repairing many types of vaginal surgery, including the repairs of the vagina in a "Pelvic Organ Prolapse," "vaginal prolapse," "Vaginal Vault Prolapse," or the repair of a "cystocele" in the vaginal wall(s) or vaginal vault or a rectocele. A cystocele occurs when the bladder protrudes into the vagina, and a rectocele when the rectum protrudes into the vagina.

In the Colporrhaphy procudeure, a uro-gynecologist, or gynecological surgeon, places a vaginal speculum inside the vagina, which spreads/keeps the vagina open, for the doctor to inspect and repair the vagina. The vaginal wall is cut opened to reveal an opening in the supporting structures, or fascia and the defect is closed and then the vagina is repaired by suture and closed, and the speculum removed. 


Who performs the Colporrhaphy and where is it performed?

Colporrhaphy is usually performed in a nearby hospital operating room by a uro-gynecologist, urologist or gynecological surgeon.


What is Colpopexy?

Colpopexy is the surgical suturing of the prolapsed vagina to a surrounding structure - such as the abdominal wall or the sacrum, which is then called Sacral Colpopexy or Sacrocolpopexy 

What Is Sacral Colpopexy (Sacrocolpopexy)?

Sacral Colpopexy, also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as Sacrocolpopexy, is the preferred surgical procedure for treating and correcting Vaginal Vault Prolapse with excellent results. Sacral Colpopexy (Sacrocolpopexy) has a very high rate of success  and the surgical procedure involves suturing a synthetic mesh that connects and supports the vagina to the sacrum, or tailbone. The Sacrocolpopexy operation is performed from the abdomen to support the vagina to the ligament on the spine (after previous or present surgery to remove the uterus) by using a synthetic mesh.

Why Is Sacrocolpopexy Performed? 

Sacrocolpopexy is performed to treat severe protrusion or bulge(s) of the vagina after removal of the uterus.

A woman's vagina that has one or more of these vaginal protrusion(s) may experience one or more of the following:

• The vaginal lump/bulge or protrusion feels uncomfortable or causes pain.  
• Difficulty with urination (e.g. unable to completely empty the bladder) 
• Bowel difficulties (e.g. constipation, incomplete emptying of bowels) 
• Pain 
• Infection 
• Bleeding 

The objective of the Sacrocolpopexy operation is to relieve the woman's symptoms and to restore her vagina and her vaginal anatomy (as much as possible) and recover her sexual function.

Are there any risks associated with Sacrocolpopexy surgery? 

Sacrocolpopexy surgery is a very common and relatively safe operation with excellent prognosis and outcomes.  However, like any surgical procedure, there are complications which may occur. Possible complications from Sacrocolpopexy surgery may include:

• Bleeding 
• Infection 
• Injury to surrounding tissues (e.g. nerve or blood vessels, ureter, intestines) 
• Formation of blood clot(s) in the legs or lungs 
• Recurrence of problem
• Slow return of bowel or bladder function 
• Erosion of synthetic material through vaginal mucosa 


What Happens Before Sacrocolpopexy Surgery? 

1. Blood tests, electrocardiography (ECG) and chest X-ray may be done to ensure that you are in optimal health for Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 

2. Your doctor may prescribe oral or vaginal estrogen (hormone) if you are already menopausal. It is important to comply with this medication as it ensures that your vaginal tissues are optimal for surgery and healing. 

3. You will be admitted to the hospital one day before Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 

4. You will be given preparations to clear your bowels.

5.  Your pubic hair surrounding your vulva will be shaved. 

6. You will not be allowed to eat or drink after midnight on the day before the surgery. 

7. All your medical and surgical conditions, if any, must be made known to the doctor and must be optimally controlled. 

8. If you are on aspirin, please keep your doctor informed. You must stop taking aspirin at least one week before Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 


What happens during the Sacrocolpopexy surgery? 

The surgery is done under general or regional anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.

An abdominal incision is made. The synthetic mesh is stitched to the posterior surface of the vagina and to the ligaments in front of the spine.

A tube / drain may be inserted into the abdomen to monitor the bleeding.

Another tube will be inserted into the urethra as there may be difficulty in urination after the Sacrocolpopexy procedure.

Painkillers, laxatives and antibiotics would generally be prescribed after the procedure.


What happens after Sacrocolpopexy surgery? 

1. Immediately after the operation, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Tiredness - You should rest and gradually increase your mobilization until you feel fit to return to your normal activities. 

• Discomfort - In the lower part of the abdomen, over the incision. This is to be expected and painkillers should help to relieve the discomfort. 

• Vaginal bleeding - Mild to moderate amount of reddish watery discharge after surgery is quite normal. You will need to wear a menstrual pad during the recovery period, but you will not be permitted to use tampons for obvious reasons.

2. One day after surgery, you will usually be allowed to drink and eat. You will be encouraged to move around. Blood chemistries and normal follow-up visits will be performed. 

3. The catheter that was placed in your urethra is usually removed the day after surgery. The drain is usually removed two days after the operation.

4. You may be discharged on the third or fourth day after surgery if the doctor is pleased with your progress and the outcome of the Sacrocolpopexy procedure. 

5. You should refrain from:

• Strenuous exercise for 2 months. You may return to normal activity after that, or upon clearance by your doctor. 

• Using tampons, douching, sexual intercourse and driving for 4 weeks. 

• Carrying heavy weights (> 10 pounds) for 6-8 weeks after Sacrocolpopexy surgery.

6. You should (immediately) return to the hospital or notify your doctor if you notic any of the following:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding 
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge 
• Severe abdominal distension and / or pain not relieved by painkillers 
• High fever 
• Pain associated with passing urine 
• Difficulty in passing urine 
• Constipation 

Follow-up doctor visits after Sacrocolpopexy surgery 

You will be examined by your doctor (at your doctor's office) at approximately; 2 weeks, 4 weeks, six months and and one year after Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 

It is important to keep your follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible results.

What is "Colposuspension" surgery?

Age and vaginal childbirth takes it toll on women's pelvic organs.  

"Female Urinary Incontinence" is one of the problems most (over 50%) women who have delivered babies vaginally have to contend with.  Women with Female Urinary Incontinence "leak" urine when they strain,  cough, laugh or run. This condition is also called "stress urinary incontinence" meaning the stress of physical activity, not emotional stress is causing her to "leak" urine.  

The problems associated with female urinary incontinence are corrected in the the "floor" of the woman's pelvis by several methods or types of surgeries - one of which is called Colposuspension. 

A woman's pelvic floor is a sheet of special muscles and ligaments that stretch across the inside of the female pelvis. Women can feel it "tighten" when they try to hold back the flow of urine - or when they strain,  cough, laugh or run. The uterus and bladder are located above the pelvic floor. The vagina and the opening of the bladder (the urethra) pass through the pelvic floor. If the pelvic floor weakens, the uterus and bladder "drop" down. The control of the urine is thereby weakened. 

Colposuspension surgery strengthens the pelvic floor to lift, or "suspend" the uterus and bladder back up to their correct position within the woman's pelvis

Colposuspension comes from the Greek word for vagina - "colpos."

What is "Urethropexy"?

Urethropexy is a surgical procedure where the support of a woman's urethra is re-supported through sutures that surround the urethra's pelvic floor  and vaginal tissues to her pubic bone.

What is the Vaginal Vault and Where is the Vaginal Vault Located?

As previously stated, Vaginal Vault Prolapse occurs in about 15% of women who have had a hysterectomy for uterine prolapse, and in about 1% of women who have had a hysterectomy for other reasons. Vaginal Vault Suspension is the surgical procedure that corrects and repairs Vaginal Vault Prolapse.

What is a Vaginal Vault Prolapse?

The vaginal vault is the area at the top of the vagina, next to and adjacent to the cervix. It can only “fall” or descend downwards toward the introitus, or the entrance of the vagina, after a woman's womb has been removed (hysterectomy). 

Vaginal Vault Prolapse occurs in about 15% of women who have had a hysterectomy for uterine prolapse, and in about 1% of women who have had a hysterectomy for other reasons.

Vaginal Vault Suspension is a surgical procedure that may be selected to correct/repair Vaginal Vault Prolapse.

What is Vaginal Vault Suspension?

Vaginal Vault Suspension is the surgical procedure that repairs Vaginal Vault Prolapse and also provides support for the apex or "vaginal vault" of the vagina to pelvic structures.

What is a Trachelectomy?

A trachelectomy, also referred to as a cervicectomy, is the surgical removal of the cervix. 

In this surgery, the uterus itself is saved or preserved, and therefore this type of surgery preserves a woman's chance of becoming pregnant and having children.  The trachelectomy surgical alternative - as opposed to the more radical hysterectomy which removes the uterus in addition to the cervix - is typically elected by younger women with early stage cervical cancer.

What Everyone Needs to Know About Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.

Reconstructive pelvic surgery is an area of surgery dealing with a woman's pelvis, and includes gynecology and uro-gynecology.  Pelvic reconstructive surgery is many times very complex surgery that may require not just the removal of certain organs or tissues in a woman's pelvis, but may also include the resection of areas and putting her organs and tissues back together in a way that makes her more functional, with less/no pain and feels better. 

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or "PID" is an infection of a woman's pelvic organs which include the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. 

Bacteria causes pelvic inflammatory disease. Bacteria can move upward, from a woman's vagina or cervix - which is the opening to the uterus, or womb - into her fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus, which then cause an infection. Many types of bacteria can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. But bacteria found in two common sexually transmitted diseases - chlamydia and gonorrhea - are the most frequent causes of pelvic inflammatory disease. 

After a woman becomes infected, it can take from a few days to a few months to develop pelvic inflammatory disease. 

The major symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease are lower abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal discharge. 

Other symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease may include one or more of the following; fever, pain in the right upper abdomen, pain during vaginal intercourse, and irregular menstrual bleeding.  

Pelvic inflammatory disease, particularly when caused by chlamydia, may produce only minor symptoms or no symptoms at all, even though it can seriously damage the reproductive organs. 

Untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease causes scarring and can lead to infertility, tubal pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and other serious problems. 

Pelvic inflammatory disease is more common and more aggressive in HIV+ women than in uninfected women. Pelvic inflammatory disease may become a chronic and relapsing condition as a woman's immune system deteriorates. 

Women can play an active role in protecting themselves from pelvic inflammatory disease disease by following these steps and precautions: 

*  Call your doctor if you have discharge with odor or bleeding between cycles. 

*  Use either male or female condoms during sex. 


What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction, which is also referred to as outlet obstruction or outlet delay, refers to a condition in which the pelvic floor muscles of a woman's lower pelvis - that surround the rectum, do not function normally. It is not known why these muscles fail to work properly in some women, but they can make the passage of stools difficult even when everything else seemingly is normal.

What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Women with pelvic floor dysfunction find that muscle pain occurs when muscles are tense, strained, traumatized and/or otherwise inflamed. Their pelvic muscles are no exception. Causes of pelvic floor dysfunction can include:

*  Chronic faulty posture with weak core musculature 
*  Trauma (fall on tailbone, old tailbone fracture, auto accident)
*  Inflammation or infection
*  Pelvic organ disease (endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis) 
*  Repetitive motion injuries such as those from gymnastics, volleyball, soccer, ballet or ice
    skating
*  Abdominal muscle wall weakness or hernias 
*  Chronic constipation
*  Pregnancy or complicated vaginal delivery 
*  Abdominal or pelvic surgery such as a hysterectomy 

Do I have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Women with pelvic floor dysfunction often have changes in their spine and/or pelvis.  Symptoms or conditional might include; scoliosis, short leg, swayback or a "torsioned" sacrum. The most common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include one or more of the following:

*  Vaginal pain 
*  Pain with urination 
*  Urinary urgency and frequency 
*  Rectal pain 
*  Pain during vaginal intercourse 
*  Pain with sitting, standing, walking 
*  Pain and/or difficulty getting up from a seated or lying down position
*  Hip pain often with loss of range of motion in hips 
*  Deep pain in lower back radiating to legs, thighs, groin, hips 
*  Abdominal and lower abdominal/intestinal pain
*  Pelvic pressure or a feeling like your vagina or uterus are "falling out."
*  Involuntary loss of urine or stool 

What are Pelvic Adhesions?

Pelvic adhesions are the cause of many gynecological problems including significant pain, infertility and conception. Pelvic adhesions are irritations of a woman's pelvic organs as a result of a "pelvic inflammatory event" or from trauma to the area such as in the case of pelvic or gynecological surgery.

Examples of a pelvic inflammatory event include; fallopian tube infections that might occur from endometriosis, removal of an ovarian cyst, sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, post surgery infections, and even appendicitis and appendectomies.

As a woman's body's pelvic area recovers from an inflammation, trauma or surgery, it begins the healing process and starts to repair itself.  The woman's body and its' healing process may cause some tissues and structures in the pelvis to become unintentionally "stuck" to another tissue or structure. In a normal woman's healthy pelvis, this space is lined with a tissue called the peritoneum, which also covers the outside of organs located in the abdomen and pelvis. In the pelvis of a non-injured/non-irritated woman, the peritoneum can be very "slippery" with the the organs and structures lying immediately next to each other that "slip" off each other and do not become bonded together. With a woman who has had a pelvic inflammation, trauma or injury, her body's healing process starts a sequence of events that may result in some of the pelvic tissues becoming "stuck" to or "adhering" to tissues or organs next to the inflamed, or injured tissue, and when this occurs, the outcome may be pelvic adhesions.

What is Menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is the medical term for women (and young girls first starting their menstrual cycles) that excessive menstrual bleeding. Excessive menstrual bleeding is defined as having a period that lasts 7 or more days each menstrual cycle (period) or is so heavy that you saturate your menstrual pad and/or tampon and need to change your feminine hygiene product(s) every one to two hours.  It is very important to inform your doctor if you have excessive menstrual bleeding! 

Women that are suffering from Menorrhagia may experience; anemia, fatigue,  embarrassing menstrual accidents, and feel that you have to restrict your life and social activities to such an extent that you "miss out on life."  Many women prefer to stay close to home so as to avoid embarrassment due to their need to go to the restroom so often so that they can change their feminine hygiene products before they become too saturated and cause even more embarrassment.

How many women have Menorrhagia?

Approximately 1 in 5 women have Menorrhagia.

Are there any treatments or therapies for Menorrhagia?

Yes, there's hope and help for women with Menorrhagia!

Here are a few of the options and therapies you will want to discuss with your doctor.

Hormone therapy - also known as "both control pills," and/or other medications may be prescribed to treat hormone imbalance. Hormone therapy is effective about 50% of the time, and may be required for a long period of time. 

Uterine Balloon Therapy - Also known as Thermal Balloon Ablation) (see below for more information)

Dilation and curettage - also referred to as a "D & C" - is a surgical procedure whereby the doctor scrape the inside of the woman's uterus to remove the lining. For most women with Menorrhagia, a D&C is temporary and reduces excessive bleeding for only a few periods.

Endometrial Ablation is another possible therapy but only if you and your husband don't plan to have children in the future. Typical Endometrial Ablation removes the lining of the uterus with an electrosurgical tool or laser. Like any surgical procedure, there are risks, which include perforation of the uterus, bleeding, infection, or even heart failure due to fluids used to open up or distend the uterus.

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus.  As a hysterectomy involves the removal of the woman's uterus, Menorrhagia will no longer be a problem. Hysterectomy is also a surgical procedure and also involves risks. The recovery period after hysterectomy is 3 to 6 weeks. 

Uterine Balloon Therapy 
www.UterineBalloonTherapy.com

What is "Uterine Balloon Therapy"?

"Uterine Balloon Therapy" - also known as "Thermal Balloon Ablation" - is a minor surgical procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus using a balloon that is inserted through the vagina, which is then filled with a fluid and then heated.  The heat - which isn't that hot, and never felt by the patient undergoing the therapy - then destroys the lining of the uterus. 

How is is Uterine Balloon Therapy performed?

Uterine Balloon Therapy  requires light general anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia. 

Uterine Balloon Therapy involves inserting a balloon catheter through the vagina, then through the cervix and into the uterus. The balloon is then filled with sterile liquid so that it expands and fills the contours of the patient's uterus. The liquid inside the balloon is then heated and maintained at 87°C for 8 minutes which scalds the endometrial lining. 

After 8 minutes, the liquid in the balloon is then withdrawn and the balloon catheter is deflated and removed back out of the uterus and vagina. 

The lining of the uterus (endometrium) will gradually shed away (through the vagina - like a period) over a 2 to 3 week period.  The woman will experience a vaginal, bloodstained discharge over this 2-3 week period.

Almost all patients are discharged the same day after the Uterine Balloon Therapy procedure and may experience uterine cramps - very similar to menstrual cramps, for a few hours to 1-2 days at most. 

Who are candidates for Uterine Balloon Therapy?

Women who have been suffering from Patients suffering from Menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual bleeding due to benign causes, are excellent candidates for Uterine Balloon Therapy. 

The overall success rate for women that undergo Uterine Balloon Therapy is around 80% and significantly reduces menstrual bleeding for these women.

However, Uterine Balloon Therapy is not a suitable therapy for patients with submucous fibroids or patients with large and irregular uterine cavities. 

In addition, this procedure is NOT for patients who have not completed their family planning and intend to have children as becoming pregnant after Uterine Balloon Therapy can be life-threatening.


Benefits of Uterine Balloon Therapy

Uterine Balloon Therapy has the distinct advantage of being handled on an outpatient basis and with a very low risk for complications. 

Additionally, there is no effect on a woman's hormonal functioning and she will not require hormone replacement therapy unlike in the case of a hysterectomy with removal of ovaries.

Finally, most women find that Uterine Balloon Therapy is their preferred treatment for menorrhagia as they get to keep their uterus, as opposed to a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and may lead to other complications in the future, including Pelvic Organ Prolapse. 

What is Perineoplasty?

Perineoplasty, also known as "Perineorrhaphy,"is one of the fastest growing elective medical procedures and is the reparative or plastic surgery of the perineum which helps women with problems with vaginal opening laxity or looseness - medically referred to as "Vaginal Relaxation."  Many also incorrectly call this procedure "vaginoplasty" or "vaginaplasty."

Perineorrhaphy is the reconstruction of the muscles and tissues at the opening of the vagina and has successfully decreased the "introitus" or size of the vaginal opening. Perineorrhaphy does NOT reduce sexual sensation, in fact, properly performed, Perineorrhaphy INCREASES sensation for the woman as well as her husband/partner.

What is Colporrhaphy? 

Colporrhaphy is the surgical repair of the vaginal wall. This includes repairing many types of vaginal surgery, including the repairs of the vagina in a "Pelvic Organ Prolapse," "vaginal prolapse," "Vaginal Vault Prolapse," or the repair of a "cystocele" in the vaginal wall(s) or vaginal vault or a rectocele. A cystocele occurs when the bladder protrudes into the vagina, and a rectocele when the rectum protrudes into the vagina.

In the Colporrhaphy procudeure, a uro-gynecologist, or gynecological surgeon, places a vaginal speculum inside the vagina, which spreads/keeps the vagina open, for the doctor to inspect and repair the vagina. The vaginal wall is cut opened to reveal an opening in the supporting structures, or fascia and the defect is closed and then the vagina is repaired by suture and closed, and the speculum removed. 

Who performs the Colporrhaphy and where is it performed?

Colporrhaphy is usually performed in a nearby hospital operating room by a uro-gynecologist, urologist or gynecological surgeon.