Women’s Pelvic Health Services (Fullerton Ave, Chicago)

1. Overview of Women’s Pelvic Health

Women’s pelvic health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, encompassing a range of conditions that affect the pelvic region. The pelvic area includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, rectum, and pelvic floor muscles. Maintaining good pelvic health is crucial for reproductive, urinary, and sexual functions. At the Women’s Health Center of Chicago, Dr. Adeeb Alshahrour specializes in diagnosing and treating various pelvic health issues, providing comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.

2. Common Women’s Pelvic Health Issues

Pelvic Pain Pelvic pain can be chronic or acute and may result from various conditions such as endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or fibroids. Symptoms can include dull or sharp pain, pressure in the lower abdomen, and discomfort during intercourse. Proper diagnosis is vital for effective treatment.

Urinary Incontinence Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine and can be classified into several types:

• Stress Incontinence: Leakage during physical activities like coughing or lifting.
• Urge Incontinence: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage.
• Overflow Incontinence: Dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn’t empty completely.
• Mixed Incontinence: Combination of stress and urge incontinence. Treatment options vary based on the type and severity of incontinence and may include pelvic floor exercises, medications, or surgery.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs drop from their normal position due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to symptoms such as a bulging sensation in the vagina, urinary incontinence, and discomfort during sexual activity. Treatments range from lifestyle changes and pelvic floor therapy to surgical interventions.

Menstrual Disorders Menstrual disorders include heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), painful periods (dysmenorrhea), and irregular periods (oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea). These conditions can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Diagnosis and treatment may involve hormonal therapies, pain management, or surgical procedures.

Sexual Dysfunction Sexual dysfunction encompasses issues like low libido, pain during intercourse, and difficulty achieving orgasm. These problems can stem from physical, hormonal, or psychological factors. Treatment may include counseling, hormonal therapy, or pelvic floor physical therapy.

3. Diagnostic Procedures and Tools

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. At the Women’s Health Center of Chicago, Dr. Adeeb Alshahrour uses advanced diagnostic tools and procedures, including:

• Pelvic Exam: Physical examination to assess the health of pelvic organs.
• Ultrasound: Imaging technique to visualize internal organs and identify abnormalities.
• MRI and CT Scans: Detailed imaging to detect structural issues or masses.
• Laparoscopy: Minimally invasive procedure to examine the pelvic organs.
• Urodynamic Testing: Evaluates bladder function and urinary incontinence.

4. Treatment Options

Treatment plans are personalized based on the specific pelvic health issue and the patient’s overall health:

• Medications: Pain management, hormonal treatments, antibiotics for infections.
• Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback to strengthen pelvic muscles.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
• Surgical Options: Procedures such as hysterectomy, pelvic reconstructive surgery, and bladder repair.

5. Pregnancy and Postpartum Pelvic Health

Pregnancy and childbirth can significantly impact pelvic health. Common issues include pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Postpartum recovery and pelvic floor rehabilitation are crucial for restoring pelvic function and preventing long-term issues. Dr. Alshahrour provides comprehensive care for expectant and new mothers, helping them maintain optimal pelvic health during and after pregnancy.