Urogynecology

Advantia Health and Urogynecology Services

Advantia-affiliated providers include a double-board certified urogynecologist, Dr. Peter O’Hare, who brings significant reconstructive pelvic surgery experience. Through Women’s Pelvic Health by Advantia, you can access minimally invasive surgery with faster recovery, less pain, and little to no hospital stay. In-office procedures for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes are available. 

Urogynecologists can work in partnership with your current Advantia Health providers to diagnose, treat, and help you manage your pelvic floor or related issues.

Urogynecology Conditions We Treat

Because urogynecologists have experience with a wide range of conditions impacting the female urinary tract and reproductive system, they can treat:

• Incontinence, which can be categorized into:
  • Stress urinary incontinence (Urine leakage during physical activities like laughing, coughing, running, or lifting.)
  • Urge urinary incontinence (The inability to control urine long enough to reach the restroom.)
  • Overactive bladder (Sudden and hard-to-defer urges to urinate, often accompanied by frequent daytime urination or nocturia, waking up multiple times during the night to urinate.)
  • Fecal incontinence
• Pelvic organ prolapse (The descent of pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, cervix, vagina and rectum.)
• Pelvic or bladder pain
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding
• Bowel disorders
• Fibroids
• Menopause-related problems
• Mesh or sling problems
• Recurring urinary tract infections
• Sexual dysfunction

What Causes Urogynecological Conditions?

Dietary factors, drug side effects, nerve dysfunction, urinary tract infection, some cancers, vaginal childbirth, aging, and menopause are all risk factors for incontinence or other urogynecological issues.   

Innovative Treatment Options We Offer

Dr. O’Hare, the only board-certified urogynecologist in Harford County, Maryland, offers a wide range of testing and treatment options through Women’s Pelvic Health by Advantia that include minimally invasive surgeries, behavioral interventions, and advanced procedures for interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, and pelvic floor disorders.

Non-surgical interventions can include bulking agents, pelvic floor physical therapy, pessaries, medication, behavioral management, electrical stimulation, and Botox therapy. The urethral bulking agent Bulkamid can also be administered by Advantia Health providers at Heartland Women’s Healthcare in Illinois and Missouri to alleviate some stress incontinence issues. Additionally, providers at Women’s Health Specialists in Rockville, Maryland offer Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT), which is a non-surgical, painless method of retraining the pelvic floor muscles that help control bladder, bowel, and sexual function. 

What Happens During a Urogynecology Exam?

Typically, a urogynecology appointment begins with a discussion about your past medical history so that your doctor can have a full understanding of your concerns. You will be asked about factors like past births, activity, family medical history, and symptoms. It is important to provide full details about incontinence, pelvic pain, constipation, diarrhea, and similar issues so that your doctor can develop the most effective treatment plan. It is often necessary for your doctor to conduct a pelvic or rectal exam. 

In some cases, your doctor may refer you to or perform urodynamic testing, ultrasound, colonoscopy, or cystoscopy. Once you have been evaluated, you will learn about unique treatment options that can be non-invasive, minimally invasive, or full reconstructive surgeries.

Should You See a Urogynecologist?

Urogynecologists are specialists dedicated to addressing pelvic floor disorders. They undergo extensive training, including a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology, followed by three years of fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. This expertise enables them to offer comprehensive care and support to women facing these delicate health concerns. 

Book An Appointment!

If you are experiencing any of the issues or conditions listed above, you are encouraged to visit an experienced urogynecologist with the specialized training and experience needed to identify the right solution for you. Through a customized training plan and high-quality care, you can find relief from conditions that may be negatively impacting your life.