Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Health
There’s nothing fun about pelvic floor dysfunction, but it’s also nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, it’s often a result of women doing the amazing things their (and only their) bodies can do. So we say, hold your head up high as you make a run for the bathroom. And talk about it—because, in many cases, there’s a way to improve your symptoms.
Get your life back
Pelvic floor issues—like leaking urine or stool, needing the bathroom constantly, or feeling pressure or bulging—are common and nothing to be embarrassed about. WHA helps you figure out what’s going on, with treatments that work for your situation.
Your pelvic floor is all the muscles, tissues and nerves responsible for supporting the bladder, vagina, rectum and other organs located in the pelvis. Pelvic floor dysfunction can happen when those muscles weaken or are injured, which can be caused by various things and life stages. It can also lead to a range of conditions, including:
- Stress urinary incontinence: leaking urine when you cough, sneeze or exercise
- Overactive bladder or urgency incontinence: feeling a strong, sudden urge to go, sometimes with leakage
- Fecal incontinence: accidental leakage of stool, or trouble sensing the need to go
- Pelvic organ prolapse: a drop in the uterus or other pelvic floor organ, which may feel like pressure, fullness or bulging in the vagina
If symptoms are disrupting your daily life, it’s worth getting evaluated. Many OB-GYNs and primary care providers can provide treatment, but be sure to ask for a urogynecologist referral if your symptoms persist or get worse. A urogynecologist is an OB-GYN physician with years of extra, specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor conditions. WHA is proud to have passionate, fellowship-trained urogynecologists ready to help you find relief.
Pelvic floor conditions often have more than one cause. Some common contributing factors to pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth: especially vaginal delivery, which can stretch or injure pelvic muscles
- Perimenopause and aging: hormonal shifts affect tissue strength and bladder function
- Pelvic anatomy: how your organs are shaped or supported may increase the risk of prolapse or incontinence
- Diet and fluid intake: certain foods, drinks or routines can make symptoms worse
- Chronic strain: heavy lifting, constipation, chronic coughing or high-impact exercise can weaken muscles over time
Understanding what’s causing your symptoms is the first step toward effective treatment.
Once you schedule an appointment, your provider will ask about your symptoms, health history and lifestyle. They may perform a physical exam or recommend initial tests. From there, we’ll guide you to the next best step. If needed, you may be referred to one of WHA’s urogynecology specialists—experts in diagnosing and treating pelvic floor conditions with precision and compassion.
It’s important to know that the vast majority of pelvic floor conditions can be significantly improved or resolved without surgery. Treatment options may include:
- Behavioral approaches like bladder training or avoiding certain foods and drinks that can worsen symptoms
- Pelvic floor physical therapy, where a specialized therapist guides you through targeted exercises (much more than just Kegels) to safely strengthen and coordinate your pelvic floor muscles. For many, this is the most effective treatment.
- Medications to reduce urgency or improve muscle control
- Minimally invasive procedures or surgery to lift or support pelvic organs or correct underlying anatomical issues
Many people can regain bladder control and strengthen the pelvic floor with very simple interventions. You deserve to feel confident and in control of your body. Our team is here to help you get there.
Treatments Available
There is no reason to deal with disruptive or uncomfortable symptoms related to the pelvic floor. Many pelvic floor-related issues can be much improved with simple and non-invasive treatments. Options include:
- Lifestyle changes, including dietary changes and weight loss
- Nonsurgical treatments, such as bladder training, pelvic floor muscle training, medication and/or a pelvic floor support device inserted into the vagina
- Surgical treatments to repair prolapse or damaged muscles, support the pelvic organs or inject medications
- Combination therapies
Office Locations
- Bridgeview, (503) 274-4800
1130 NW 22nd Avenue, Suite 520, Portland, 97210 - Gateway, (503) 734-3800
10566 SE Washington Street, Portland, 97216 - Hillsboro, (503) 840-3400
7431 NE Evergreen Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, 97124 - Newberg, (503) 538-2698
1003 Providence Drive, Suite 340, Newberg, 97132 - Oregon City, (503) 657-1071
1500 Division Street, Oregon City, 97045 - Peterkort North, (503) 734-3700
9701 SW Barnes Road, Suite 200, Portland, 97225 - Tabor, (503) 249-5454
5050 NE Hoyt Street, Suite 230, Portland, 97213 - Tualatin, (503) 692-1242
19250 SW 65th Avenue, Suite 300, Tualatin, 97062 - Northwest Gynecology Center – Peterkort, (503) 734-3535
9701 SW Barnes Road, Suite 150, Portland, 97225 - Northwest Gynecology Center – Tualatin, (503) 855-1600
19250 SW 65th Avenue, Suite 325, Tualatin, 97062
Welcoming New Patients
Schedule a gynecology visit with your WHA provider to discuss your pelvic floor concern, or call one of the offices listed above.
Accepted Insurance Plans
We participate in most insurance plans that serve the Portland area, including specific plans offered by the companies listed below (1). If you don’t see your insurance company on this list, please call our clinic and we’ll be happy to help you. Call your health plan directly to verify participation, benefits and any referral requirements before scheduling.
Please note:
- The insurances we are able to accept can change without warning. Contact your insurance company to verify your coverage and benefits.
- We are able to accept the Medicare Advantage Plans associated with these health plans, unless they are PFFS (Physician Fee for Service) plans.
- We cannot accept Kaiser or OHSU OHP plans (among other OHP plans outside the areas our offices serve).
- We cannot accept the Regence BCBS OHSU or PeaceHealth network plans.
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield BlueCard (2)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (2)
- CareOregon
- CAWEM
- Cigna
- Columbia Pacific CCO
- Coventry Health Care
- EBMS
- First Choice Health
- Great West
- HealthNet
- Kaiser Added Choice
- Medicare
- Moda (formerly ODS)
- MultiPlan
- Oregon Health Plan DMAP (Open Card)
- Pacificare
- PacificSource
- PacificSource Community Solutions – Central Oregon Region
- Providence Health Plans
- Providence Oregon Option
- Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield (5)
- UMR
- United Healthcare
- Yamhill CCO