Treatment For Female Bladder, Prolapse, and Urinary Problems In Glens Falls, NY

Prolapse

Evaluation of Vaginal and Uterine Prolapse

Vaginal and uterine prolapse are common conditions affecting many women, particularly as they age, after childbirth, or following pelvic surgeries. Prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum, drop from their normal position and press into or out of the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues.

At our practice in Glens Falls, we offer comprehensive evaluation and collaborative care for patients experiencing symptoms of prolapse. These symptoms may include:

A sensation of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area
Visible or palpable bulge at the vaginal opening
Discomfort during physical activity or intercourse
Urinary or bowel changes, such as incontinence or incomplete emptying

As a Urologist with comprehensive training in pelvic floor disorders, I work closely with local gynecologists to ensure patients receive well-rounded care tailored to their specific needs. Your evaluation will begin with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and any previous surgeries or childbirth experiences.

We perform a thorough physical and pelvic examination, often including a pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) assessment to understand the extent and compartments affected by the prolapse. Additional diagnostic tools may include:

Urinalysis and post-void residual measurement
Bladder function testing (urodynamics), if urinary symptoms are present
Pelvic imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, in select cases

Our goal during the evaluation is not only to accurately diagnose the condition but also to ensure you fully understand what is happening with your pelvic anatomy. As part of our educational approach, we take time to explain your condition, review your imaging, and go over any relevant test results with you.

Treatment Overview

Treatment for vaginal and uterine prolapse depends on the severity of symptoms and your personal preferences. Many women benefit from conservative options such as pelvic floor physical therapy or the use of a pessary device. When surgical management is appropriate, we offer advanced, minimally invasive options.

We perform robotic sacrocolpopexy procedures, often in collaboration with a gynecologist who can perform a hysterectomy during the same surgery if needed. For patients who are no longer sexually active or prefer a less invasive option, we also offer colpocleisis.

Our aim is to provide compassionate, expert care close to home for women in Glens Falls, Saratoga, and the surrounding Adirondack and Capital regions. If you are experiencing symptoms of prolapse, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to learn more about your options.

Incontinence

Evaluation of Female Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence in women is a common and often distressing condition that can significantly affect quality of life. It refers to the involuntary leakage of urine and can result from a variety of underlying causes. At our practice in Glens Falls, we provide compassionate, thorough evaluation and individualized treatment plans for women experiencing urinary incontinence.

Understanding the Types of Incontinence

The first step in effective management is identifying the type of incontinence. The two most common types are:

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Leakage that occurs with physical exertion such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. It is often caused by weakened support of the urethra and pelvic floor muscles.
Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI): A sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. This may be associated with overactive bladder and abnormal bladder contractions.

Some patients may have a combination of both types, known as mixed incontinence.

Our Evaluation Approach

As a Urologist trained comprehensively in female pelvic medicine, I take a careful, education-based approach to diagnosing and managing urinary incontinence. During your evaluation, we will review your medical and surgical history, bladder habits, and lifestyle factors. We may also ask you to complete a bladder diary to better understand your symptoms.

A thorough physical and pelvic exam is performed to assess pelvic floor support and identify any anatomical abnormalities. Additional diagnostic tools we may use include:

Urinalysis to rule out infection or blood in the urine
Post-void residual measurement to assess bladder emptying
Urodynamic testing to evaluate bladder and urethral function

Throughout this process, I make it a priority to explain your condition clearly and review any test results with you directly so you can be fully informed in your decision-making.

Treatment Overview

Treatment is tailored to the type and severity of incontinence as well as your personal goals. Conservative measures such as pelvic floor physical therapy and behavioral modifications are often effective first steps. Medications can be helpful for urge urinary incontinence, but less so in stress urinary incontinence.

For stress urinary incontinence, we offer both urethral bulking agents and mid-urethral sling procedures, depending on your specific needs and preferences.

For refractory urge urinary incontinence, we provide advanced options such as bladder Botox injections and sacral neuromodulation therapy to help restore bladder control.

We are committed to offering personalized, high-quality care for women in Glens Falls, Saratoga, and the greater Adirondack and Capital regions. If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, we invite you to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward restoring your confidence and comfort.

Overactive Bladder

Evaluation of Overactive Bladder in Women

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition that can cause significant disruption to daily life. It is characterized by a frequent and urgent need to urinate, often accompanied by urinary leakage (urge incontinence). While not life-threatening, OAB can lead to embarrassment, social isolation, and sleep disturbances if left untreated.

At our Glens Falls practice, we specialize in the diagnosis and management of overactive bladder using an individualized, patient-centered approach. Our goal is to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and help you regain control and confidence.

Understanding Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder typically presents with the following symptoms:

Urinary urgency: a sudden, compelling need to urinate
Urinary frequency: needing to urinate more than 8 times in 24 hours
Nocturia: waking up more than once per night to urinate
Urge incontinence: involuntary urine leakage associated with urgency

OAB can occur with or without leakage and may be influenced by aging, hormonal changes, bladder irritation, neurologic conditions, or unknown causes.

Our Evaluation Approach

As a Urologist trained comprehensively in bladder disorders, I approach each patient with care and attention to detail. The evaluation begins with a thorough discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits. We may ask you to complete a bladder diary to track your fluid intake, voiding patterns, and leakage episodes.

A physical and pelvic examination helps rule out anatomical causes, while additional tests may include:

Urinalysis to check for infection or hematuria
Post-void residual measurement to assess bladder emptying
Urodynamic studies to evaluate bladder muscle behavior and function in complex cases

Our focus is on educating you about your condition every step of the way. We take time to review your test results and discuss what they mean, ensuring you feel informed and empowered.

Treatment Overview

Management of overactive bladder is highly individualized. Many patients find relief through conservative treatments, including behavioral strategies (such as bladder retraining), fluid management, and pelvic floor physical therapy.

When symptoms persist, medications that calm the bladder muscle may be prescribed. For patients with more severe or refractory symptoms, we offer advanced therapies including:

Bladder Botox injections: to relax the bladder muscle and reduce involuntary contractions
Sacral neuromodulation (InterStim): a therapy that modulates the nerves controlling bladder function

We are dedicated to providing expert care close to home for women in Glens Falls, Saratoga, and the surrounding Adirondack and Capital regions. If you are struggling with symptoms of overactive bladder, contact us to schedule a consultation and explore your options for relief.