Login to MyHealth
Login to My HealthCommon Conditions and Treatment
Incontinence
Many factors can lead to the development of urinary incontinence, such as multiple childbirths, menopause, prior pelvic surgery and neurologic disease. We understand the negative impact urinary incontinence can have on quality of life and do our best to identify the cause and provide the best treatment options. Prior to instituting therapy, a full evaluation may be required; if so, all of the latest technologies are available at USC including urodynamics, cystoscopy and various radiologic modalities. With proper treatment, the effects of incontinence can usually be significantly reduced or even eliminated. There are various type of incontinence with the two most common types in women being stress urinary incontinence and urge incontinence secondary to overactive bladder. Stress urinary incontinence is associated with leakage of urine with cough, sneeze or laugh and is also associated with loss of urine during activities such as exercise or lifting heavy objects. Overactive bladder is leakage of urine associated with an overbearing urge to void and not being able to get to the toilet before incontinence occurs.
Treatment options for stress urinary incontinence include non-surgical options such as Kegel exercises and pelvic floor behavioral therapy. If surgical therapy is required we offer a variety of minimally invasive surgical options which usually do not require overnight stay in hospital. The treatment of overactive bladder usually begins with a variety of medications, pelvic floor behavioral therapy or a combination of both. For patients with overactive bladder refractory to standard initial therapy, there are other options available at USC. This includes sacral neuromodulation and botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections into the bladder. The use of bladder Botox is still awaiting FDA-approval for this indication, but investigators at USC have been among the country's leaders in evaluating this novel treatment. For those patients still requiring further therapy, lower urinary tract reconstruction is always an option and USC has been a pioneer in this field for both men and women for many years. The Institute offers a multidisciplinary approach to incontinence, bringing together urologists, gynecologists, colorectal surgeons, gerontologists and rehabilitation physicians. A commitment to innovation and excellence combined with ongoing research and teaching, keeps our surgeons and physicians at the forefront of their field.
Pelvic Floor Prolapse
A special expertise at USC is minimally invasive surgical treatment for all types of pelvic floor prolapse. This includes prolapse of the bladder, rectum and female organs. Scar-free, minimally invasive surgical techniques such as transvaginal and robotic surgery are offered routinely to our patients. When needed, we are able to offer a multidisciplinary approach to this problem, often teaming up with gynecologists and/or colorectal surgeons as needed.
Neuro-Urology
Patients with neurological diseases can experience problems with the lower urinary tract, leading to a condition called neurogenic bladder. Symptoms can include inability to urinate, urinary incontinence, frequency and/or urgency of urination, urinary tract stones and frequent urinary tract infections. USC urologists also spend time at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, which is an internationally recognized rehabilitation facility and are thus very comfortable treating patients with neurogenic bladder. This includes patients with bladder dysfunction related to a variety of neurologic diseases such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spina bifida, transverse myelitis and Parkinson's. All treatment options are available at the Institute to minimize the impact bladder symptoms can have on patients with neurogenic bladder.
Urethral Diverticulum/Fistulae
Urethral diverticulum is a protrusion of the urethra into the anterior vaginal wall. A fistula is an abnormal connection between two organs with the most common type of fistula leading to urinary incontinence being a vesicovaginal fistula which is most often seen after hysterectomy. Our physicians are experts in treating these condition, and patients are referred to USC from all over the country for our services.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is a challenging problem that can lead to symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency as well as bladder and pelvic pain. USC urologists work to relieve these symptoms through various treatment options such as bladder distention, bladder instillation, medication and diet.
Female Sexual Dysfunction
Many women suffer from various degrees of sexual dysfunction. This condition is divided into four categories: sexual desire disorders, sexual arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder and sexual pain disorders. Depending on the type of dysfunction, USC urologists are available to tailor the best treatment option to fit the individual patient’s needs.
