SoCal Flipbooks

10 | Health Matters: Providence St. Joseph Hospital Pelvic Health Be sure to speak up about pelvic pain. Pelvic floor muscles and ligaments support and protect the bladder, bowel and internal reproductive organs. But aging, childbirth, injury, family history, genetics and other factors may weaken them over time. Common symptoms include: • A bulge in the vaginal area • Leaking urine (urinary incontinence) • Constipation and fecal incontinence • Frequent urinary tract infections • Dryness in the vagina or painful sex About one-third of women in the United States suffer from pelvic floor disorders, such as organ prolapse, and urinary or bowel incontinence. If you're one of them, it's time to speak up. "A thorough evaluation is needed, because other conditions may mimic pelvic floor disorders," says Lamia Gabal, MD, a board-certified urogynecologist at Providence St. Joseph Hospital. "It's important to talk to a specialist about these symptoms, especially if they are impacting your quality of life to the point that you cannot leave the house or take a vacation." EARLY DETECTION IS THE BEST PROTECTION October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mammograms save lives, and the guidelines from many trusted sources urge women to get annual screenings beginning at age 40. "For many years, most breast surgeons have advised patients to opt for an annual mammogram starting at age 40, based on recommendations from organizations such as the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Cancer Society," says Hang T. Dang, DO, Providence St. Joseph breast surgical oncologist. "Additional supplementation imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI, may be recommended based on individual risk assessment." There's no question that mammography is your best defense against breast cancer, because it can spot the disease in its early stages—before it can be felt during a breast exam. Visit providence. org/treatments/mammography to schedule a mammogram today. EFFECTIVE TREATMENT Treatment depends on the cause underlying the symptoms. For pelvic pain and functional problems, heat, yoga, pelvic floor physical therapy, muscle relaxants or medication may be effective. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to help put a prolapsed pelvic organ back into place. Many treatments are available for urinary and bowel incontinence. For some women, lowering coffee intake, doing regular Kegel exercises or taking medication may provide relief. Others may benefit from injections of Botox to relax muscles or a bulking gel to prevent bladder leakage during daily physical activities. InterStim and Axonics are implanted devices, like a pacemaker, that stimulate the nerves affecting the bladder and help reduce urinary incontinence. "Although it is common to have a prolapse or urine leakage, that does not mean it's normal," says urogynecologist Taylor J. Brueseke, MD, of Providence St. Joseph Center for Pelvic Health. "There are a variety of treatments available, and you should not 'just live with it.' " For more information, visit providence.org/stjoseph. Dr. Hang T. Dang Dr. Lamia Gabal Dr. Taylor J. Brueseke

• Cover