Overview
Women’s unique health care needs require a unique approach. At UW Health, we bring together experts from several different areas for a comprehensive approach to women’s health conditions. Our team of gynecologists, urologists, gastroenterologists and surgeons — plus specially trained nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists and other providers — work as a team to make sure you receive remarkable care.
Women’s complex care includes three areas:
Gynecologic oncology
Minimally invasive gynecologic procedures
Many women assume that conditions like a leaky bladder or pelvic pain are a natural part of aging. These conditions can also be embarrassing and uncomfortable to talk about. As a result, many women may even limit their activities and stop doing the things they used to enjoy instead of seeking help. But these conditions are treatable. From physical therapy and medications to surgery, many treatment options are available.
For women who are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer such as ovarian, uterine or cervical, the oncology team with the UW Carbone Cancer Center offers the latest in treatment options.
When treatment may require surgical intervention, our female pelvic medicine surgeons bring the latest minimally invasive techniques to ensure patients experience little discomfort and are back to their normal routine sooner.
Opening in 2024, Eastpark Medical Center is not just a new facility, but a new way to deliver health care. Our dedicated women's pelvic health team brings together experts from across multiples specialties to treat a range of conditions, from pelvic floor disorders to gynecologic cancers. You'll find the care you deserve in a compassionate space designed for your needs.
Conditions and treatments
Our dedicated team bring together experts from across multiple specialties to help find the right treatment for you. We believe in working together with you to find out what is important for your quality of life so we can help get you back to doing the things you enjoy.
Many treatments are available to help women regaining control if they accidentally leak urine or stool. Some patients are treated with an outpatient surgical procedure; others can benefit from non-surgical methods, including exercises, dietary changes and weight loss.
Sometimes called fecal or urinary retention, these conditions affect women who cannot fully empty their bladder when they “pee” or feel persistently constipated when they “poop."
Prolapse, which is very common in women between 50 and 80, refers to the drooping or sagging of the bladder, uterus, vagina, small bowel and rectum; many forms of treatment are available to ensure that the pelvic floor muscles properly hold everything in place.
Pelvic pain may be constant, intermittent, or occur during events such as intercourse, urination or a bowel movement; our team is ready to help you get treatment.
A possible cause of pelvic pain, cramping, fatigue or heavy bleeding between cycles, fibroids are non-cancerous muscular tumors that grow from the wall of the uterus.
Another possible source of pain and fatigue, this condition occurs when the inning lining of the uterus (endometrium) begins growing outside of the uterus.
A fistula is an abnormal tunnel-like hole between two organs such as the vagina and bladder. We offer minimally invasive treatment options to correct the problem.
Our team of expert gynecologic oncologists, affiliated with the UW Carbone Cancer Center, treat women with reproductive cancers such as cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar.
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.
Locations
Locations
When you need expert care, UW Health offers several locations throughout Madison. And we're excited to announce our newest location opening in 2024, Eastpark Medical Center. Located on Madison's east side with easy access to the interstate, Eastpark Medical Center represents a new way to provide care with multiple specialties under a single roof. Focused on women's needs, the Women's Complex Care will be a distinctive program at the new facility, making it easier for women to get the care they need. Learn more about Eastpark Medical Center
Meet our team
Patient and support resources
Learn more about the services available to you from the Women’s Pelvic Wellness Program.
