Gynecology

Winchester Hospital is a regional leader in providing the most advanced surgical care for gynecological conditions. We offer: 

• Minimally invasive robotic surgery system (da Vinci) 
• Electronic brachytherapy/Xoft 
• Fertility-sparing surgery 
• GYN-ONC (gynecology-oncology) surgery
• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) 
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) 
• Laparoscopy and mini-laparotomy 
• Minimally invasive hysterectomies 
• Uterine fibroid embolization 

Millions of women suffer from conditions that affect their pelvic organs and pelvic floor muscles, including frequent urination, loss of bladder control and vaginal prolapse. Genetics, pregnancy/childbirth, menopause and aging are all risk factors for these conditions. Luckily, there are numerous treatment options available for these conditions.

Conditions We Treat

• Urinary Incontinence: Loss of bladder control
• Pelvic organ prolapse: Pelvic organs drop from their normal position
• Overactive bladder: Urinary urgency and frequency
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Urinary Retention/Voiding Dysfunction: Difficulty fully emptying the bladder
• Painful bladder syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis): Bladder pain that is accompanied by urinary urgency/frequency
• Hematuria (microscopic): Blood in the urine
• Fistula: Abnormal connection between the bladder and vagina or the rectum and vagina
• Fecal Incontinence: Loss of bowel control
• Defecatory Dysfunction: Difficulty fully emptying the bowels
• Urethral Diverticulum: Sac that can form on the side of the urethra
• Complications of pelvic surgery (including mesh complications)

Treatments We Offer

• Education
• Behavioral/Dietary Modifications
• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
• Pelvic Support Devices (Pessary, Incontinence Dish)
• Office Procedures (Cystoscopy, bladder BOTOX®)
• Minimally Invasive Surgery (Vaginal, Laparoscopic and Robotic)

The Women's Health for Incontinence Program from Winchester Hospital helps women reduce the effects of incontinence. With this program, women can gain more control over bothersome symptoms such as frequent urination and loss of bladder control. 

Physical Therapy as a Treatment Option

A specially trained physical therapist teaches women pelvic floor muscle exercises. Studies show that 79% of women receiving pelvic floor muscle training improved enough to avoid surgery. 

Experts recommend these exercises as a first-line, conservative management program for women with:  

• Stress incontinence  
• Urge incontinence  
• Mixed urinary incontinence 

Our physical therapists treat all muscles of the body including the muscles of the pelvic floor. After an initial evaluation, your physical therapist will create a treatment program, which may include:   

• Biofeedback 
• Bladder training using a bladder diary 
• Myofascial release
• Pelvic floor exercises 

Physical Therapy During Pregnancy

Physical Therapy may also be beneficial during pregnancy when experiencing pelvic pain, pain with intercourse and diastasis with bloating (which often happens during/after birth but also with abdominal surgeries or when you gain/lose weight rapidly). Physical therapy may also be used as a treatment for:

• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Constipation and fecal incontinence
• Sacrum and sacral pain or pain with sitting
• Pelvic girdle pain
• Pelvic instability

Is Physical Therapy Right for You?

If you answer “yes” to any of the follow questions, physical therapy may be the right choice for you: 

• Do you leak urine when you laugh or sneeze? 
• Do you use the toilet more than every two to five hours or five to seven times per day? 
• Do you have a feeling of pelvic heaviness or feeling of “falling out?” 
• Do you find yourself running to the toilet, but not always getting there on time?

Take the First Step Today

Speak with your doctor about a referral to The Women's Health for Incontinence Program at the Reading office. Call us at 781-944-6564.