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There are basically two types of bladder control problems--an "overactive bladder" and stress incontinence.

Overactive bladder is a wiring problem--the nerves going to your bladder tell it it needs to empty when it really doesn't. As a result, you have to go more frequently, at night, and when you have to go, it is urgent. This is treated with bladder retraining exercises and with medications. Physical therapy can help this. Surgery seldom helps and can even make it worse.

Stress incontinence occurs when the support at the neck of the bladder is weak, and with pressure on the bladder from coughing, sneezing, lifting, etc, the bladder neck falls open and small amounts of urine leak out. Treatment for this starts with pelvic muscle retraining (Kegel exercises). Sometimes physical therapy can help. Surgery is very successful in carefully selected patients.

At HEALING ARTS WOMEN'S CLINIC we treat all types of bladder control problems, and we offer state-of-the-art surgical treatment for women who are good candidates. Success rates at one year are around 90%, with a 5 year success rate of around 70%.

If bladder control problems are affecting your life, call for a consultation.

Permanent contraception

Permanent contraception for women is having a tubal interruption procedure. It is done in the operating room under general anesthesia. Two small incisions are made--one inside the belly button and one right above the pubic bone. Two clips are places across each tube. The procedure lasts about 10-15 minutes. After a day or two of rest, most women are up and about their normal activities.

Reversible hormonal contraception

We offer all of the basic types of hormonal contraception available:

1. Depo-Provera--a shot you get every 3 months

2. Birth Control Pills

3. Birth Control Patches

4 Birth Control Vaginal Ring

Reversible non-hormonal contraception

Aside from condoms, diaphragms, and spermicides that can be purchased over the counter, we have found IUDs (Intrauterine Devices) to be an excellent form of contraception for many couples. Click on the following link below for more information.

Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) is now known as PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). It is characterized by a predictable pattern of emotional and physical problems, associated with the menstrual cycle.

Numerous studies have been done to test remedies. Most have not been found to be better than placebo. Those therapies which have been proven helpful and safe, which we recommend and use in treatment are:

1. Antidepressants the week before and the week of the PMDD

2. Regular exercise

3. Anti-anxiety medications

4. Calcium supplementation

There are many other remedies being sold out there. Some are not studied. Of those that have been, only those listed above have been found to be any better than placebo. Just because a remedy says "herbal" or "natural" doesn't mean that it works or is totally safe. For more information, click on "Good Medical Links" on the home page.

The work-up of pelvic pain starts with a careful history and physical exam, and often an ultrasound offers helpful information. Pelvic pain can come from a number of different sources, including bones, muscles, the bladder, the large bowel, infections, ovarian cysts, cancers, uterine growths, and endometriosis.

Our philosophy is to try and solve the problem, whatever it may be, in as least invasive a fashion as possible. There are times that just reassurance is necessary. Pain medications and hormonal therapy or antibiotics are safe, non-invasive ways of treating certain conditions.

In some cases, the appropriate step is to discuss surgical intervention. Dr. Lynn is an experienced surgeon and offers out-patient laparoscopic surgery, and when necessary, is very experienced at non-invasive definitive surgery (vaginal hysterectomy, LAVH).

For more information on all these topics, visit the health links on the home page.

The organs in the pelvis, such as the uterus, bladder, and rectum, are all supported by connective tissues that are usually quite elastic and strong. due to the effects of childbirth, age, smoking, or genetics, these tissues can become lax causing problems for women.

Symptoms include lower back pain, a sense of "falling out" vaginally, painful intercourse, a "leaky bladder", or difficulty having a bowel movement.

If symptoms are minor, they do not need to be fixed. In women in whom symptoms warrant a repair, it can usually all be accomplished vaginally with an overnight hospital stay and a rapid return to normal function.

Dr. Lynn offers state-of-the-art vaginal repairs using tissue patches that allow a more complete, long-lasting repair while maintaining vaginal function, sexual sensation, and lubrication.

For more information on this, the following link may be helpful.