Integrated Specialty Care for Women: Reimagining health care

Pelvic floor disorders are conditions that affect the muscles of the pelvic floor, including issues with bladder control, bowel control and pelvic organ prolapse. These conditions can be embarrassing and uncomfortable to talk about. Our team of experts will work with you to develop your treatment plan and help you regain your confidence.

For people who are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer such as ovarian, uterine or cervical, the oncology team with the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center offers the latest in treatment options.

Our sex therapists offer sex therapy to individuals of all gender identities and couples struggling with sexual health concerns. Sexual health issues are common, yet it can be uncomfortable to talk about sex.

Your sexual health is a vital part of your overall health. Our therapists listen and support your health care journey in a nonjudgmental, inclusive and safe environment.

Your sex therapist will collaborate with your health team, such as gynecologists, urologists, primary care providers and pelvic floor physical therapists to meet all your health needs and concerns.

Issues that sex therapists address include:

• Low sexual desire or arousal

• Desire discrepancy or contrasting sexual preferences between partners

• Concerns related to sexual interests or paraphilias

• Questions of sexual or gender orientation

• Interpersonal concerns related to polyamory or ethical non-monogamy

• Out of control sexual behavior

• Erectile issues, such as erectile disorder, delayed ejaculation, premature ejaculation

• Delayed, infrequent or absent orgasms

• Painful intercourse

• Intimacy issues related to a chronic condition or disability

To schedule an appointment call (608) 282-8270.

• Botox injections, which relax the muscles, giving patients more time to reach the bathroom

• Nerve stimulation, which helps the brain communicate with the bladder or bowel to reduce incontinence

• Medications. Many options are available to improve bowel or bladder function, or reduce symptoms or discomfort

• Pessary fitting. A pessary is a small, non-invasive removable plastic or rubber ring that controls leakage

• Pelvic floor physical therapy and biofeedback, which helps strengthen weak muscles and damaged nerves that cause incontinence

• Surgery. Options include vaginal surgery as well as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery

• Urethral sling surgery, which lifts the urethra back into normal position

• Non-surgical treatment options include pessaries (see above), Kegel exercises and biofeedback, all of which can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

• Surgical options may be done through the vagina or the abdomen to restore a drooping organ back to its original position.

Pelvic pain is a common issue for women, and many treatment options are available based on the findings of a physical exam and tests.

Home to the largest gynecologic oncology program in Wisconsin, UW Health offers women a comprehensive team of specialists in fields such as medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery and genetic counseling. Many clinical trials are also available for our patients.

Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy, also knows as talk therapy, and does not include physical or sexual touch.

During the first session your therapist will review your mental health history, clarify sexual health concerns, discuss your treatment goals and identify other care team members and/or refer to other specialties as necessary.

During follow-up sessions you and your therapist will work together to address goals using talk therapy, including sex education and normalization.

To schedule an appointment call (608) 282-8270.