Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Center of Koç University offers current diagnostic and therapeutic options for women with complex pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder syndrome, pelvic organ prolapse, voiding and defecation disorders, sexual dysfunction, gas and fecal incontinence, fistulas and congenital absence of the vagina.
Patients who are admitted to our Urogynecology Unit with pelvic floor disease experience the benefits of clinical evaluation and multidisciplinary treatment approach. At Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Center, our specialists who are assisted by other healthcare professionals provide necessary personalized, comprehensive and patient-oriented care.
The diseases that are commonly diagnosed, treated and followed-up at our center are as follows:
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence affects approximately 40% of women. Although urinary incontinence impairs quality of personal, family and social lives, they do not seek medical attention most of the time due to shame and hesitation. The underlying cause of urinary incontinence may be complex and the condition may be multifactorial as well. However, the condition can be treated or significantly alleviated after the underlying cause is identified.
At our center, both basic and advanced urodynamic tests can be done to examine the women with urinary disorders. The tests that aim to clarify the underlying cause of urinary incontinence do not cause pain and they can be done at outpatient settings. After the underlying cause of the complaint is identified through these tests, your doctor may recommend specific treatment options- most of which require no surgery. No matter how severe the condition is, urinary incontinence can be significantly alleviated or completely treated in most cases. Our team has broad experience and knowledge and finds the most appropriate solution by offering a great variety of treatment options ranging from simple lifestyle modifications to complex surgeries.
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse implies down slip of female pelvic organs, such as bladder, uterus and small or large intestine, from their normal position resulting in protrusion of vagina, uterus or both. Prolapse may be secondary to various factors, including but not limited to delivery, pregnancy, aging and obesity. Spontaneous vaginal delivery, hysterectomy, increased intraabdominal pressure caused by strain, aging, connective tissue abnormalities or repair of connective tissue lead to impairment of vaginal connective tissue or dysfunction in some women.
Laparoscopic and robotic assisted sacral colpopexy, pectopexy, vaginal reconstruction with tissue repair or mesh implantation and explantation of vaginal mesh can be performed to treat the pelvic organ prolapse.
There are numerous treatment modalities for pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse. Our team concentrates on minimally invasive, uterine-preserving surgery for complex pelvic floor disorders.
Pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain is felt in the subumbilical area and between the hips and it persists six months or longer. Chronic pelvic pain may be caused by many factors; it may be a sign of another disease or it may be a disorder itself. Generally, there is no single underlying cause of chronic pelvic pain. In this case, treatment aims to alleviate the pain and other symptoms and improve quality of life.
You may hesitate over when to seek medical attention in case of chronic pain. If pelvic pain impairs quality of life or if the symptoms aggravate gradually, you should see a doctor. Our physicians have great experience and knowledge to investigate the underlying cause of pain and plan the most effective treatment.
Chronic pelvic pain is a complex condition that may have multiple underlying causes. Sometimes, a single disorder may be identified as the underlying cause. However, pain may be caused by several conditions in other cases.
Some underlying causes of chronic pelvic pain are as follows:
- Endometriosis
- Musculo-skeletal system disorders
- Ovarian diseases
- Myomas
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis)
- Pelvic congestion
- Psychological factors
- Pelvic floor muscle spasm
Sexual Dysfunction
Permanent and recurrent conditions that cause stress and impair her relations with their partners, such as sexual pain disorder, sexual desire disorder and orgasmic disorder, are called sexual dysfunction.
Many women may experience sexual dysfunction in any period of their lives. However, it is a lifelong condition in some women. Female sexual dysfunction may occur in any period of life. If sexual problems affect your relationship or worry you, you can present to our center for assessment. Our physicians are competent and have experience of identifying the underlying cause of sexual dysfunction and planning the most effective treatment.
Signs of sexual dysfunction vary depending on the type of sexual dysfunction:
- Sexual pain disorder: Pain during sexual arousal or vaginal intercourse.
- Sexual desire disorder: Low sex drive - the most common female sexual dysfunction.
- Sexual arousal and orgasmic disorder