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UW Health SMPH

Combining Care with Technology: Dr. Tova Ablove

View the 2009 Obstetrics and Gynecology Annual Report

Tova Ablove, MD joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2003 as a urogynecologist. She specializes in pelvic floor dysfunctions, including prolapse and incontinence.

 

As a clinician and a researcher, Dr. Ablove is able to be constantly thinking about clinical trials and new ways to help patients based on her current patients' needs and conditions. Some of her current research includes a retrospective study on post void dribbling in conjunction with the treatment of overactive bladder medications and a study partnering with the UW Veterinary School focused on women with recurrent urinary tract infections.

 

Meet Dr. Tova Ablove in Words and Pictures

Meet Dr. Tova Ablove in words and pictures: View her audio slideshow
Dr. Ablove is also involved with the resident education program in the simulation lab. She has worked with the program on the expansion of education on the pelvic anatomy and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), one of the main treatments for stress incontinence in women.

 

On the clinical side, Dr. Ablove's patients credit her with being straightforward and acknowledge her ability to be informative and comforting at the same time with her willingness to answer all of her patient's questions. One patient in particular is very appreciative of Dr. Ablove's knowledge and skill as a urogynecologist.

 

Helping Restore Quality of Life

 

For several years, Sue Arganek had been having issues related to an overactive bladder. These issues were so severe that it limited her quality of life, including her desire to travel any length of distance beyond 30 miles or to even stay hydrated. In 2008, she was referred to Dr. Ablove by her primary care physician.

 

Dr. Ablove started Sue on conservative therapies, including Kegel's exercises, but soon realized those treatments were not working for Sue. After failed attempts with therapies, Dr. Ablove recommended moving ahead with interstim therapy to manage the bladder control.

 

Interstim therapy involves the electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves. The first stage is a test that determines if this therapy will work for the patient. A special wire is placed through a natural opening in the tailbone and in contact with one of the nerves controlling the bladder's reflexes.

 

Sue saw initial improvements in bladder control during the first stage so they moved ahead with the second stage where a permanent battery, similar to a pacemaker, is implanted in the upper part of the buttock. Within days after the second surgery, Sue was responding very well to the surgery and has not had any issues since. Recently, Sue's career led her to be relocated to northern Wisconsin. Sue was so happy with Dr. Ablove's care that she now drives over 500 miles roundtrip to be able to keep Dr. Ablove as her physician.