Dignity Health | hello Healthy | Winter 2018-2019

HelloHealthy | Winter 2018–2019 9 Health care A welcoming place for women At Mercy Hospital Southwest, we believe women in Kern County deserve a special place dedicated to their health needs. And that place is The Women’s Center. Innovative and specialized care for women of all ages is available at The Center. Some of the surgical and nonsurgical services there include: Radiology services, such as digital mammography with computer-aided detection technology, breast and obstetric ultrasound, and stereotactic breast biopsy. Urogynecology services, which include treatments for conditions such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain. Lactation support services, such as lactation consultations, breast pump rentals and sales, and breastfeeding bras. Here for you! For a complete list of all the services provided at The Women’s Center at Mercy Hospital Southwest, visit dignityhealth.org/ bakersfield/ womens-center . Or call 661.663.6429 . Many problems, many solutions Dr. Lee and the staff at The Women’s Center offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatments for a range of urinary and pelvic health problems, including: Urinary incontinence. Many women leak urine when they cough, sneeze, exercise, or lift an object (stress incontinence). Others may leak when they feel a sudden urge to go (overactive bladder). Pelvic organ prolapse. This is when the bladder, uterus, rectum, or other organs bulge into the vagina. Some women with this condition may notice the bulge and may experience other symptoms, such as pelvic discomfort or pain, urinary incontinence, and sexual difficulties. Fistula. This abnormal opening between two parts of the body may develop between the bladder and the vagina or the rectum and the vagina. It allows urine or stool to pass through the vagina. Painful bladder syndrome. Also called interstitial cystitis, this is a chronic condition that causes painful urinary symptoms. Some urinary or pelvic health problems can be improved with medicines, lifestyle changes, and patient education, Dr. Lee notes. Other options may include biofeedback therapy and pelvic floor rehabilitation to help strengthen the pelvic floor; the insertion of a pessary, a removable ringlike device that fits inside the vagina and supports the pelvic organs; InterStim therapy, an implanted device for bladder control; and surgery. “I want women to be empowered with knowledge so that together we can make the best decisions for their health,” Dr. Lee says. “These are very common conditions with solutions. We have treatment options here in Bakersfield that can help you.” —Justin Lee, MD especially for women