Center for Advanced Gynecology
Frequently Asked Questions
 As leaders in innovative treatment options for a wide variety of women's health issues, our compassionate, expert physicians offer a private space to ask questions about health issues that may seem awkward or are difficult to talk about.
These conditions include fibroids, incontinence and bladder control, pelvic pain and others.
Check out some questions we regularly receive from wome n like you who are exploring their treatment options.
How can I have urinary leakage at my age?
The problem is very common, although it is not normal and should not be a part of your everyday life. It usually occurs in women 40 and older. However, it can occur in younger women and is almost always treatable.
Am I a candidate for a minimally invasive hysterectomy?
Almost all women are candidates for a minimally invasive hysterectomy. It is done through a single incision in the navel, which minimizes pain, risk and scarring; many can be done vaginally with no abdominal incisions, allowing you to return to your life sooner.
How long will I be off work after this type of hysterectomy?
Patients are typically back to full function after 10-14 days. Many patients return to work in less than a week.
Will I have to take hormones after my hysterectomy?
It's a case-by-case basis. However, if the ovaries are not removed, there is no need for hormone therapy. If the ovaries are removed, and you experience hot flashes or other symptoms, hormone therapy is one of several options that can be considered.
What is a prolapsed or falling uterus?
The word prolapse means displacement from the normal position. When this word is applied to the female organs such as a uterus, it means bulging or sagging. Genetics, obesity, vaginal deliveries, pelvic tumors or repetitive heavy lifting all can be contributing factors.
Will I be able to return to sexual activity after a procedure?
Yes. Depending on the procedure, your sex life may improve and any discomfort you experienced before may be eliminated.
I feel as though my bladder is never really emptied. Is that possible? I always have to go again!
It is possible to not empty your bladder. It is important to tell your doctor about these symptoms before he or she treats you.
If you want to cut-back on the getting up at night to go to the bathroom, at what time should you cut off drinking liquids?
You should stop drinking liquids three hours prior to going to bed.
If I lost weight and drink less water, will stress incontinence go away?
Weight loss can improve stress incontinence.
Is there any truth in the statement that holding your urine for a long time can be bad for you?
No, there is no evidence that holding your urine is bad for you.
My issue involves my bowels. I have daily elimination but usually need to stand and bear down, sometimes with the aid of outside pressure in the rectum area. Who do I need to see?
These may be symptoms of a rectocele, which is when the thin tissue wall separating the rectum from the vagina is weakened, allowing the front wall of the rectum to bulge into the vagina. This is something that a urogyneoclogist treats.
What if you suffer from both stress and urge incontinence? Is there a fix for that?
Yes, but further evaluation would be needed and they may require different treatments.
What does it mean when your gynecologist tells you that you have a large uterus and that it could contribute to urinary frequency?
Fibroids could be a possible cause of the large uterus and therefore would be pressing on the bladder causing the frequency.
How will having a hysterectomy change the strength of ones pelvic floor? Will it cause incontinence issues?
No, it is not a cause of pelvic prolapse.
Is it possible to do a laparoscopic hysterectomy if you had a C-section cut up and down and an appendix removed?
Yes. We do this routinely for patients who have had multiple C-sections.
| About the Experts |
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Sarah M. Kane, MD
Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Specialty Interests: Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
Areas of Interest: Pelvic Floor Disorders, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Incontinence Pelvic Pain, Female Urology
Learn more about Dr. Sarah M. Kane
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Jeffrey M. Mangel, MD
Director, Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery; Assistant Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Specialty Interests: Urogynecology, and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
Areas of Interest: Surgical/Nonsurgical Management of Urinary Incontinence/Overactive Bladder, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Bowel Dysfunction and Fecal Incontinence, Vesicovaginal and Rectovaginal Fistulas, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Advanced Benign Gynecologic Surgery, Sacral Neuromodulation for Overactive Bladder Syndrome
Learn more about Dr. Jeffrey M. Mangel
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Robert R. Pollard, MD
Director, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Center for Advanced Gynecology; Assistant Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Specialty Interests: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Women, Office Sterilization (Permanent Birth Control)
Learn more about Dr. Robert R. Pollard
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