Parkridge Health System

Solving the "Secret" Problem A concern for both genders, pelvic floor disorders are more common among women, affecting one in four. There is no need to suffer in silence. T he Pelvic Floor Center at Parkridge Medical Center offers help and hope for patients struggling with the pain or embarrassment of bladder or bowel disorders. "Pelvic floor disorders affect both men and women," explains Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, MD, FACS, colorectal surgeon at Parkridge Medical Center. "There is a certain stigma associated with talking about pelvic floor issues. Many people choose to suffer in silence and don't seek help for urinary leakage, fecal incontinence, or constipation—they just live with it. Bladder and bowel problems are very common, and most can be easily treated." Shaped like a hammock, the pelvic floor—made up of nerves, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues—supports the bladder, rectum, prostate, and other vital reproductive organs cradled within the pelvis. Over time, as muscles lose tension with age or become damaged through injury or childbirth, the pelvic floor weakens, affecting the ability to contract and relax muscles that control bowel and bladder movements. Accident Prevention "Wearing a diaper or pad should never be a long-term solution to pelvic floor difficulties," Dr. Lorenzo-Rivero says. "Many women joke about having a 'little leak' when they sneeze or laugh, but this should never be considered normal by any means. Fifty percent of elderly patients are placed in nursing homes because of urinary or fecal incontinence, yet these problems are very fixable at the Pelvic Floor Center." Pelvic floor disorders include: • fecal incontinence—an inability to control bowel movements • obstructed defecation—a form of chronic constipation • pelvic organ prolapse—organs such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum descend into the vagina • sexual dysfunction—painful intercourse • urinary incontinence—an inability to control urine flow "Certain pelvic floor disorders can be successfully treated with nonsurgical options such as medications, dietary changes, or physical therapy," Dr. Lorenzo-Rivero says. "For patients with more serious pelvic floor conditions caused by excessive scar tissue or nerve damage, surgery may be the best option to permanently correct the . Need a Doctor? Call us at (423) 622-6848. Need Help for Behavioral Concerns? Call us at (423) 499-2300. Strength from Within Physical therapy can improve the strength and function of pelvic floor muscles and help ease pain and symptoms. "I can work with patients before surgery in hopes of preventing or delaying a procedure or to rehab after surgery," says Lindsay Johnson, DPT, physical therapist at Parkridge Health System. "Strengthening internal muscles, including the transverse abdominal muscles, helps create a strong pelvic floor that works with ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fascia to keep organs in proper alignment." Pelvic floor therapy sessions are conducted in a private setting and, following a review of symptoms and medical history, can include: • biofeedback-directed exercises • bladder training • education and dietary changes • electric stimulation of the pelvic floor musculature • individualized home exercise plan problem. The Pelvic Floor Center offers comprehensive reconstructive techniques to treat every patient with dignity and compassion." FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PELVIC FLOOR CENTER AT PARKRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER, VISIT PARKRIDGEMEDICALCENTER.COM AND SEARCH KEYWORD "PELVIC FLOOR" OR CALL (423) 622-6848. HOSPITALS DON'T HEAL PEOPLE, PEOPLE DO. CHOOSE PARKRIDGE. 3

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