One in three women will experience a pelvic floor disorder in their lifetime. Too often, women think they must live with the pain, embarrassment or discomfort caused by incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, loss of bowel control or frequent urinary tract infections, but many conditions are easily treated.
The urogynecology specialists in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center offer women non-invasive treatments allowing them to return to normal life with minimal discomfort.
“We want you to age gracefully with full quality of life, which might mean running a marathon or simply planting a flower garden. We offer a full array of treatment options, and have a big toolbox of things to use, from conservative to nonsurgical to surgical options,” says Svjetlana Lozo, MD, MPH. “Our doctors will help you make choices that work for your needs and stage in life. We discuss issues patients don’t feel comfortable discussing with anyone else.”
Incontinence (leakage of urine or feces), urgency/frequency of urination, and prolapse (bulge or pressure in the vagina) are among the most common issues treated by the urogyncologists at Columbia.
There are many new technologies and alternative options to deal with these common problems, says Dr. Lozo. By educating and empowering patients, and giving them a better understanding of why this happens and how to treat it, the urogynecology team at Columbia provides expert care in Westchester County and surrounding areas. “Some of the newest, most minimally invasive treatments include peripheral tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), a special type of acupuncture to counter issues of urgency, and Botox injections to improve bladder control,” she says.
Helai Hesham, MD says many women think leaking is a normal aspect of aging. “Most women are caretakers and put themselves last, but incontinence and prolapse impacts their days. We want to shine a light and let women know these are conditions no one has to live with. The biggest misconception is there is no treatment or, if there is, it has to be surgery. We help women choose the easiest options that are best for their life. And, if a patient chooses surgery, most treatments are ‘same day surgeries,’ which means they are fairly minimal, easy fixes.”
Dr. Hesham says, “Many people are surprised that much of our care is done right here in the Westchester region—in our office or at Lawrence Hospital—so patients don’t have to commute to the main Columbia University campus in the city. Everyone is like family here, and we know and trust our staff, who are incredibly kind and sweet.”
The three doctors at Columbia—including Ladin Yurteri-Kaplan, MD, MS, as well as Dr. Lozo and Dr. Hesham—are fellowship trained and board certified with specialties in obstetrics and gynecology.
“Here at Columbia we sit down and listen to what is bothering our patients and customize their care to meet their desired goals,” Dr. Yurteri-Kaplan said. “I involve my patients in decision-making each step of the way and really explain to them what is going on. For me, it’s an honor to take care of each patient.”
To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call 212-305-1107 or visit www.columbiadoctors.org/urogynecology.
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