Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic organs drop below their normal position in the body. This descent is often caused by childbirth, and it can result in painful pelvic pressure, difficulty with urination or bowel movements, urinary incontinence and a bulge near the opening of the vagina. Treatments include:

• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the pelvis
• Placement of a removable ring that supports the vagina
• Vaginal or abdominal surgery to treat dropped or bulging pelvic organs

Constant or intermittent pain or discomfort below the naval and between the hips can be life-altering and stop you from enjoying daily activities. It may be sharp, dull or crampy, and is typically associated with urinary symptoms, bowel symptoms, pain during sex, disorders of the reproductive organs and pelvic muscle spasms.

While causes of pelvic pain may vary, Einstein’s team of experts in female pelvic medicine are specially trained to find the cause of your pain using the latest diagnostic tools and offer a full range of personalized treatments.

One out of seven women has overactive bladder, one out of three experiences urinary leakage, and one in eight will undergo treatment for urinary leakage or vaginal prolapse at some point in her lifetime. The involuntary leakage of urine may be caused by either stress or a sudden urge to urinate.

Also known as bowel or fecal incontinence, this condition is characterized by the loss of control over gas, liquid or solid bowel movements. Where more common in older patients, the cause of anal incontinence may stem from childbirth issues, irritable bowel syndrome, nerve damage or constipation-related issues.

In certain cases, injections of bulking materials or botulinum toxin (Botox) help reduce urine leakage.

Your physician may recommend simple lifestyle and diet changes to improve bladder function. Some recommendations include proper fluid intake, limited alcohol and caffeine, smoking cessation, exercise and even loose-fitting clothing.

A variety of medical devices, such as pessaries, catheter devices and other inserts may help by supporting or altering the position of the urethra and bladder to enhance control and prevent leakage in the vagina or urine channel.

A variety of medications calm overactive bladders or make it easier for some patients to completely void their bladders to prevent leakage.

Pelvic floor muscle, or Kegel exercises are effective ways to strengthen the bladder and pelvic muscles.

These may include:

• A thin strip of mesh called a synthetic sling, or a sling created from the woman’s own tissue is surgically placed beneath the urine channel to increase resistance to urine leakage
• An electrical implant in the lower back that delivers electrical stimulation of the nerve that controls the bladder, known as sacral neuromodulation