Bladder care
A urogynecologist is a specialist who treats conditions affecting the bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor. If you're experiencing bladder leakage, a feeling of pelvic pressure or bulging, frequent urges to urinate, bowel control concerns, or pelvic pain, a urogynecologist can help. Through personalized treatment options, ranging from conservative therapies to advanced surgical care, our team helps women regain comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
Explore Urogynecology
“As a woman and a mother of four children I know how bladder and pelvic issues can affect our ability to be active and secure in our health. I want to help you uncover sensitive and embarrassing problems and find ways to alleviate symptoms. I love working together in a comprehensive and caring way to get you back to your life.
My favorite part of being a doctor is educating patients – really diving into a woman’s whole life experience and presenting options while we determine a treatment plan together. I want my patients to learn and understand what is going on with their bodies and discuss available medical and surgical options.
As a female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery physician – a urogynecologist – I specialize in conditions that affect the bladder, the bowel, and the reproductive organs. Common conditions my patients present with include urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic discomfort, and sexual discomfort.” -Kim Gerten, MD
Leakage of urine or stool can result from weakened pelvic muscles, nerve issues, or childbirth. We assess muscle strength, bladder function, and bowel patterns to design a personalized treatment plan, often incorporating pelvic floor therapy, lifestyle modifications, or minimally invasive interventions.
Prolapse occurs when pelvic organs descend due to muscle weakness, often after childbirth. It may cause pressure, bulging, or difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels. Options range from pelvic floor therapy to pessary fittings or surgical support based on your symptoms and stage of life.
Persistent discomfort or heaviness in the pelvis can stem from muscle tension, prolapse, inflammation, or nerve issues. Evaluation includes identifying triggers and addressing root causes with therapy, medication, or supportive devices. Relief often begins with listening closely to your unique experience.
If you’ve experienced complications from previous mesh placement, revision or removal may be necessary. This procedure is handled with care to reduce further damage and support healing. We guide you through the process and discuss options tailored to your symptoms and medical history.
These are abnormal openings between the vagina and bladder or rectum, often due to trauma or surgery. Symptoms may include leakage or infection. Diagnosis is followed by surgical correction, which is always provided with specialized care, guided by sensitivity and privacy.
Discomfort during sex can be physical, hormonal, or emotional. We identify causes like dryness, scar tissue, or pelvic floor dysfunction. Treatment may include hormonal therapy, pelvic rehab, or counseling, restoring comfort and confidence in intimacy.
Vaginal delivery can stretch or injure pelvic muscles, leading to leaking, heaviness, or discomfort. We provide postpartum pelvic floor rehab, including therapy, education, and gentle recovery plans to help you regain core strength and confidence.
This includes weakness, tightness, or poor coordination of the pelvic muscles, which can affect bladder, bowel, and sexual function. Assessment includes muscle testing and symptom tracking. Treatment is typically non-invasive and may involve pelvic floor physical therapy and lifestyle coaching.
Urogenital prolapse refers to the descent of the bladder, uterus, or rectum into the vaginal canal. Symptoms may include bulging, pressure, or discomfort. Options include conservative support, like pessaries or surgical intervention if needed.
Weak muscles can lead to leaking, prolapse, or loss of core support. We offer pelvic floor therapy, guided strengthening, and individualized recovery plans — often starting with a thorough exam and goals that align with your daily life.
Tearing, nerve damage, or scarring from delivery can impact your comfort and function. We offer gentle evaluation, personalized healing plans, and therapy that support your physical and emotional well-being.
A pessary is a silicone device inserted into the vagina to support prolapse or incontinence. We ensure proper fitting, teach care techniques, and offer regular follow-up to ensure it’s comfortable and practical.
These symptoms can be vague but very disruptive. We evaluate muscle tension, infection, hormonal shifts, and past surgeries or trauma. Our approach is layered, combining physical care, medication, and emotional support as needed.
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Changes in the vulva or labia, including irritation, swelling, or discomfort, can be due to hormones, infections, or dermatologic conditions. We provide a careful exam, personalized diagnosis, and treatment focused on symptom relief and prevention.
Dryness, irritation, changes in discharge, or discomfort are common but treatable conditions. Causes may include menopause, infections, or pelvic floor imbalance. Our care includes hormonal options, therapy, and education so you feel informed and supported.
After menopause, decreased estrogen can lead to dryness, frequent UTIs, or urgency. We offer treatment options like vaginal estrogen, moisturizers, or therapy to restore balance and reduce irritation.
Unexpected urine leakage can occur during everyday activities, such as laughing, sneezing, or exercising. It’s more common than you think, and some solutions can help you feel confident again. Evaluation often begins with a simple bladder diary or examination to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
Also known as incontinence, this refers to the inability to control urination. It can range from minor leaks to full loss of control. Understanding when and why it happens is the first step toward improving daily comfort and quality of life.
This occurs when physical activity or pressure on the bladder, like coughing or lifting, causes urine to leak. It’s often linked to weakened pelvic floor muscles, especially after childbirth or with age. Strengthening those muscles can make a real difference.
If you’re rushing to the bathroom often or waking up at night to urinate, you might be dealing with an overactive bladder. Treatments may include pelvic floor therapy, medication, or behavioral techniques to retrain the bladder.
Feeling like you “have to go” immediately, or leaking before reaching the restroom, can be frustrating. This can happen without warning and may be linked to neurological causes or bladder sensitivity.
Needing to urinate too often, even when you haven’t had much to drink, can interfere wi.th work, sleep, and daily routines. A medical evaluation can uncover the root cause, whether it’s dietary, hormonal, or muscular.
If starting or completing urination feels complex or incomplete, it could indicate voiding dysfunction. This can happen for many reasons and is treatable with the proper support and care plan.
Discomfort in the bladder area, especially when it fills, may point to a condition like interstitial cystitis. This chronic issue can be effectively managed through dietary adjustments, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
A heavy or pressured feeling in your bladder, even when it’s not full, can be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction or inflammation. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek evaluation if these symptoms persist.
Pain while urinating may indicate an infection, inflammation, or irritation in the urinary tract. It’s not something to ignore—quick treatment can bring fast relief.
A burning sensation often indicates a urinary tract infection (UTI), a condition that is particularly common among women. Prompt care can help stop it from turning into something more serious.
This persistent pressure can feel like a dull ache or heaviness in your lower belly. It may be related to organ prolapse, bladder inflammation, or muscle tension, and deserves a thorough evaluation.
Though more common in childhood, nighttime bladder leaks can affect adults too, especially during menopause or due to hormonal shifts. If this happens regularly, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
Accidental loss of stool or gas can be physically and emotionally distressing. It often stems from weakened pelvic muscles, nerve damage, or childbirth-related injury. With proper care, ranging from physical therapy to medication and lifestyle adjustments, there is a path forward to reclaiming comfort and control.
Straining, incomplete evacuation, or irregular stool passage could signal defecatory dysfunction. This condition is often tied to pelvic floor coordination issues or muscle weakness. A guided therapy plan can help retrain bowel habits and improve daily comfort.
Rectal prolapse occurs when part of the rectum slips outside the body. Symptoms may include discomfort, bleeding, or a feeling of fullness. It’s treatable through therapy or surgery, depending on severity, and early diagnosis helps prevent complications.
A rectocele happens when the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina due to weakened pelvic support. It can lead to pressure, bowel issues, or difficulty during intercourse. Non-surgical options like pelvic floor therapy are often the first line of treatment.
This rare but serious condition involves an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina. It can lead to stool or gas passing through the vaginal canal. Specialized treatment is necessary, often involving surgery. With the proper care, healing and improved quality of life are possible.
A different kind of care
Almara Women’s Health is an independent practice that is owned and operated by physicians. This gives us the ability to build a more comprehensive and personalized health care delivery system specifically around the needs of women. Learn more about how to get a personalized, evidence-based, and comprehensive approach for your life and longevity.
- Beth
The practical science women need
TL;DR Pelvic health is often a subject women keep behind closed doors, spoken about in whispers, if at all. Whether it’s the involuntary leak of
TL;DR There are parts of being a woman we’ve learned to talk about openly—like starting a family, managing periods, or going through menopause. But some
