Pelvic Floor & Continence Center

Pelvic health matters: Expert care at St. Joseph’s/Candler for incontinence and pelvic pain

At the St. Joseph's/Candler Pelvic Floor & Continence Center, we understand that pelvic health issues, like urinary or bowel incontinence and pelvic pain, can be devastating for you and your family. You are not alone in this struggle — and these conditions are highly treatable. Our specialized team is here to provide outstanding and discreet care to help you reclaim control over your life.

Through our thorough evaluation processes and specialized therapy for various pelvic, urinary, and bowel disorders, we will create a personalized treatment plan that works for you. Our board-certified urogynecologists, nurse practitioners, and licensed physical therapists are experts who guide many patients to see significant improvement or a complete resolution of symptoms.

If you have ever worried about frequent bathroom visits, leakage, or sudden urges, know that help is available. You don’t have to manage these symptoms on your own. Our team can help you find solutions that restore comfort and confidence.

To begin your journey toward better health, request a consultation online or call us at 912-819-4870.

Is it time to address your pelvic health? Common signs to watch for.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be dealing with incontinence. Our team of accredited and credentialed specialists, including expert physicians and adept physical therapists, can help identify the underlying cause and develop a personalized, effective treatment plan.

• Frequent urination (eight times or more in 24 hours)
• Strong, sudden urges to urinate or have a bowel movement
• Accidents before reaching the bathroom
• Waking up two or more times during the night to use the restroom
• Using protection due to unnoticed leaks
• Wearing protection because you cannot get to the bathroom in time
• Leaking urine or feces when you cough, laugh, or lift something

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, contact us for an evaluation. From diagnosis through treatment, you can trust our experienced specialists to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the best possible care. No matter how long you've been living with these challenges, there is hope for improvement—and you deserve to live a life free from the burdens of pelvic health issues.

Physical therapy for pelvic floor function

The Pelvic Floor & Continence Center offers pelvic physical therapy with a specially trained physical therapist in a private one-on-one setting. The one-on-one setting allows the therapist to tailor treatment to the patient’s unique needs, providing focused attention and a comfortable, private environment that encourages trust and enhances overall progress. The physical therapist creates individualized treatment programs to improve pelvic floor muscle function, gain control over symptoms, and reduce the need for medication and possibly surgery.

These specialized treatments may include:

Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels): Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can improve control over bowel movements and urination, helping both men and women manage incontinence more effectively.

Electrical Simulation: Gentle electrical pulses may improve muscle awareness and help restore control over pelvic floor muscles.

Biofeedback: Your physical therapist can measure your pelvic-floor muscle activity using gentle sensors, helping you learn how to engage these muscles properly.

Muscle Strengthening: Specific exercises can help stretch and strengthen muscles that support proper bowel and bladder function.

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Comprehensive care for pelvic disorders

The Pelvic Floor & Continence Center provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a wide range of pelvic floor conditions. Our expert team works closely with each patient to develop personalized care plans that address their unique needs, promoting improved function and quality of life. Below are some of the common conditions we treat:

Urinary incontinence:Difficulty controlling the bladder, leading to involuntary leaks or a frequent, urgent need to urinate.

Bowel incontinence: The inability to control bowel movements, resulting in accidental leakage.

Pelvic pain: Persistent discomfort in the pelvic region, which can affect daily activities and quality of life.

Interstitial cystitis: A chronic condition characterized by bladder pressure, pain, and frequent, painful urination.

Levator ani syndrome: Chronic pain in the pelvic muscles, particularly the levator ani, causing discomfort and tension.

Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstrual cramps that can interfere with normal activities.

Dyspareunia: Pain during sexual intercourse, which various pelvic floor issues can cause.

Urinary and bowel retention is the inability to fully empty the bladder or bowels, leading to discomfort and potential complications.

Depending on your condition and medical history, these procedures can be performed as an open surgery or minimally-invasive through laparoscopically or with the da Vinci Robot.