Pelvic Issues

Pelvic pain and pelvic support problems are common among women. At Aventura OB/GYN Advanced Care in North Miami, Dr. Remberto Santos specializes in diagnosing and treating pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding tissue. It may cause abdominal pain, irregular periods, painful urination, pain during sexual intercourse, fever, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting. It is usually treated with antibiotics, but severe cases require more serious treatment, sometimes in a hospital setting.

Other pelvic floor disorders, such as pelvic organ prolapse, can occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor weaken or are damaged as a result of childbirth, certain surgeries such as a hysterectomy, or other gynecological conditions.

When the muscles become too weak to support the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, urethra, vagina, small bowel, and rectum), one or more of these organs can drop, or prolapse, lower into the pelvis, pushing into the vagina. There are several terms to describe pelvic organ prolapse:

Cystocele (bladder prolapse, which is the most common type)
Uterine prolapse
Vaginal vault/vaginal wall prolapse
Enterocele (small bowel prolapse)
Urethrocele (urethra prolapse)
Rectocele (rectum prolapse)

If you have pelvic organ prolapse, you might feel pressure on the vagina or pain during sexual intercourse, or you might have difficulty with urination or bowel movements. Sometimes the condition responds to nonsurgical treatments such as lifestyle changes or the use of a pessary, a removable device that holds the affected organ in place.

If nonsurgical treatments are not effective, Dr. Santos can surgically repair the prolapsed organ or perform a hysterectomy if the uterus is involved.

Urinary Incontinence

Often, pelvic floor dysfunction leads to urinary incontinence. Dr. Santos understands how uncomfortable you may feel discussing urinary incontinence. However, he is both discreet and comforting when it comes to explaining your treatment options with you.

Treatment options depend on the type of incontinence you are experiencing (stress, urge, overflow, or mixed), the severity of the condition, and the underlying cause. For some women, pelvic floor exercises that strengthen the muscles involved are enough to help you control urinary urges. If not, other treatment options available include:

• Medications such as anticholinergics, mirabegron, Botox®, imipramine, and topical estrogen
• Medical devices such as urethral inserts and vaginal pessary to support the bladder and prevent leakage
• Surgical options including prolapse surgery or urethral sling procedures

Pelvic Floor Rehab

If you are worried or embarrassed about incontinence, you don’t have to live with it and suffer in silence. Dr. Santos is highly trained and skilled at treating pelvic issues and can help you regain your health and confidence.

If you are experiencing pelvic pain, request an appointment online or call our North Miami
gynecology office today at (305) 931-7960 to schedule a visit with Dr. Santos.