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Non-Surgical Treatments
Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation (PFMR) - PMR techniques (sometimes referred to as Kegel's exercises) provide an effective treatment option for urinary incontinence and help to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. They are especially important after surgery to maintain strength and optimize outcomes. Most women require guidance from a medical professional to learn how to contract the pelvic floor muscles correctly. After learning how to contract the pelvic floor muscles ongoing exercises can prevent future redevelopment of prolapse and maintain normal, healthy bladder function.
Biofeedback - This refers to a variety of techniques that teach patients bladder and pelvic muscle control by giving positive feedback when the patient performs the desired action. This feedback can be from an electronic device or directly from a health professional.
Bladder Retraining - This treatment for urge incontinence involves teaching a patient to urinate according to a timetable rather than when she feels an urge. Gradually, the scheduled time between trips to the bathroom is increased as the patient's bladder control improves. Commonly, bladder retraining is combined with pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation.
Bladder Diary – This is a therapeutic as well as diagnostic study that the patient performs on her own by recording the time and amount of every void and fluid intake for three 24-hour periods. The diary helps the patient become aware of her bladder function and helps the physician learn about both her bladder and kidney function.
Bladder Diet - This is a list of foods and drinks that may irritate the bladder. Avoiding these items may greatly improve certain bladder symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and pain.
Medications - There are a number of medications used to treat overactive bladder and urge incontinence. Whereas we do not have a personal relationship with any of the companies that provide these medications, we do try to limit costs by offering every medication available for the treatment of overactive bladder.
 Sacral Neuromodulation (Interstim) - This is a newer approach to the treatment of overactive bladder, urinary retention, urinary frequency, and fecal incontinence. Electrodes are placed near the nerves that control the bladder. First a test electrode is placed and trialed. If significant improvement is found then the electrode is left for long-term treatment.
Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulation (E-Stim) -This involves placement of a vaginal probe that delivers electrical pulses to the pelvic floor to treat urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, voiding dysfunction and pelvic pain. The electrical pulses are safe and nonpainful and help to reestablish the normal neurological function of the pelvic floor.
Pessaries –Pessaries are devices made out of silicon that are used to hold up vaginal prolapse. They can also be used to provide support underneath the bladder and urethra and help in the treatment of stress incontinence. Several types and sizes are available. Choosing the right size and shape makes their use easy, comfortable and manageable.
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