Urogynecologists specialize in conditions that affect the most private parts of a woman’s body – addressing issues related to incontinence, prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. These specialists, who combine expertise in urology and gynecology, over advanced, targeted care.
“When I was in medical school, I was really attracted to obstetrics and gynecology because of the nice combination of medicine and surgery. I could go into surgery and look after women’s health as well,” said Dr. Muhammad Aslam, Urogynecologist at Arnot Health, a Member of Centralus Health.
Involuntary leakage or loss of control over bodily function can be brought on by a sneeze or cough. When it comes to discussing issues about bodily functions, many people share the same sentiment: the topic is too embarrassing to discuss.
“The patient population I serve varies. These are women suffering from urinary leakage, pelvic organ prolapses, bowel leakage, and bowel incontinence. A lot of people don’t talk about it because it’s considered taboo. They avoid social outings, activities, and don’t go out.”
While common, leakage caused by pelvic floor or other urinary dysfunction is a treatable medical condition, not a normal part of life.
“One in four women will have surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. That’s how prevalent it is. There’s not much information about it and they don’t know that these are very curable problems.”
Often associated with aging, Dr. Aslam says issues related to gynecological and urological conditions can affect women of all ages.
“The age range of patients I treat varies from women in their 20’s to women in their 90’s.”
Women typically seek treatment from a urogynecologist for chronic pelvic pain, overactive bladder, and urinary incontinence. Though any woman can experience these issues, those who have had children are more likely to seek care from a urogynecologist.
“Childbirth, as much of a blessing as it is, affects the pelvic floor, predisposing women to the problems mentioned before-all of which are treatable.”
While they are often considered chronic and challenging, many urogynecological conditions can be successfully managed, but Dr. Aslam says treatment decisions are in the hands of the patient.
“My goal as a provider is to work with the women and provide different options. There’s not one treatment model that fits all.”
Urogynecologists offer specialized, comprehensive treatment plans tailored to meet the needs of each patient.
“We start with conservative treatments. You can go to a pelvic floor therapist for help. Some cases of urinary incontinence – not all cases – can be treated with medication. If not, then surgical options are there.”
If treatments fail and surgery is the only option for relief from symptoms, Dr. Aslam says minimally invasive robotic surgery is one of his areas of special clinical interest.
“I’ve done over 1,000 robotic surgeries and have over 40 peer reviewed publications. I consider myself to be a pioneer of robotic surgery in my field. I’m happy to bring these advancements to this area.”
Robotic surgery comes with many advantages; unlike traditional open operations, the minimally invasive procedure comes with fewer risks and improves post-operative outcomes.
“When they are done with other modalities, like open surgery, you have big scars and stay in the hospital for multiple days. With this, you have your surgery, you go home faster, get back to work sooner, and the outcomes are great.”
Weakened or injured pelvic floor muscles can cause problems with how these organs work. When this happens, don’t let these problems disrupt your life, see a urogynecologist.
“You do not have to suffer in silence. All of these problems are treatable. I will help you, I will treat you, and we’ll work together to make your life so much better. My goal is to get you back to normal so you can live your life with no limitations.”
Arnot Health and Cayuga Health, members of Centralus Health, o er comprehensive women’s health services like therapy for pelvic pain and incontinence and compassionate obstetrics and gynecological care.
Arnot Health offers urogynecological care and additional women’s health services at 600 Roe Avenue, Elmira; 7571 State Route 54, Bath; 100 John Roemmelt Drive, Horseheads; 123 Conhocton Street, Corning, and 600 Fitch Street, Suite 102, Elmira.
Cayuga Health offers obstetrics, gynecological, and therapy-based pelvic floor care at 310 Taughannock Boulevard, Suite 1C, Ithaca; 10 Brentwood Drive, Suite A, Ithaca; 1129 Commons Avenue, Cortland; 20 Arrowwood Drive, Ithaca, and 401 Cayuga Park Lane, Ithaca.
