Pelvic Floor Disorders in Central Texas

We offer both conservative and surgical management of pelvic floor disorders. We are lucky to have Dr. Teresa Irwin who is the only board-certified urogynecologist between Austin and San Antonio, TX. At the Caring Center for Women, we offer both conservative and surgical management of pelvic floor disorders (cystocele, rectocele, and perineocele) in our office in New Braunfels, TX.

Women of any age who have had a hysterectomy may develop an anterior vaginal wall prolapse (also called a cystocele). This means that the tissue from the pelvic bone leaving the bladder to drop down into the vagina. Symptoms of a cystocele include feeling the constant urge to urinate, excessive urination in the daytime and nighttime, and feel you have lost all control of your bladder.

When a woman experiences rectocele, the fascia between the vagina and rectum has been disconnected from the pelvic bone. When a rectocele forms, you will see and feel a noticeable bulge in the front wall of the rectum to the back wall of the vagina. Women with this posterior wall prolapse have trouble with painful bowel movements and may have to manually insert their fingers into the rectum or vagina in order to defecate.

A hernia that has found its way in between the rectum and the vagina is called a perineocele. After a hernia has made it through the perineum, you may experience continual pressure in the area, chronic constipation, and obstructed bowel movements.

Each patient is unique in her own way and so should the treatment. After a physical examination with Dr. Irwin or one of our other OBGYNs, Your doctor will provide you with information on how you should treat your pelvic organ prolapse. Some of the recommendations may be:

Lifestyle changes

• Maintaining a healthy weight with proper nutrition
• No heavy weightlifting 
• Performing light to moderate exercise is encourage
• Performing Kegel exercise to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles

Therapies

• Biofeedback therapy
• Bulking agent injections
• Gentle stimulation of the nerves that control the bladder and bowel (Axonics Therapy)

Pessary inserts

Surgeries

• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery
• Urinary incontinence surgery
• Bowel control surgery

Learn more about your options in pelvic floor disorders at a consultation with Dr. Irwin at the Caring Center for Women in New Braunfels, TX. Disorders of the pelvic floor are uncomfortable and interfere in many aspects of your life. Make an appointment today and we will guide you through the process.