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Obesity and Its Impact on Your Pelvic Floor

Jun 01, 2018

As obesity rates go up, it is soon becoming a health problem. While the health risks directly associated with obesity are well-known, the indirect health effects are gradually becoming apparent. One of the ones we are following at our clinic is the effects of weight on pelvic floor disorders.


Studies have shown that obesity has been found to exacerbate urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. In terms of treatment, surgery outcomes for incontinence are no different for patients who are and aren’t obese, but preliminary studies have found that the chances of not having urinary incontinence in the first place are much reduced if one isn’t obese to begin with.


Many studies have come to the conclusion that a high BMI along with a high body weight is associated with pelvic organ prolapse. In one study, it was found that almost 40 per cent of women with the condition were obese. But if the risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor prolapse increases with unhealthy weight gain, the reverse is also true: another study found that 71 per cent of patients with incontinence no longer experienced the symptoms after undergoing bariatric surgery. Stability of the pelvic floor is strong linked to one’s weight.


While seeking a medical professional’s opinion and help is strongly recommended when it comes to something as personal and important as your pelvic floor, there are some ways you can help prevent this from the comfort of your own home. Exercises that involve relaxing and squeezing your pelvic floor muscles to keep them strong are an easy and helpful first step in addition to maintaing or losing weight.


At Southern Urogynecology, we provide a full range of wellness and health care for women of all ages. We offer weight loss services to help prevent the onset of any pelvic floor or urinary condition. We also provide surgical and non-surgical pelvic prolapse and urinary disorder treatments depending on your health needs.


If you are experiencing the symptoms of a pelvic floor condition, or you simply want to ensure that you don’t experience the symptoms in the first place, don’t delay in contacting us. We’ll be able to provide you with the health advice and service you need to enjoy a better quality of life.

Dr. Jessica J. Rueb successfully completes requirements for subspecialty from American Board of Urology

By Meredith Atkinson • 01 Dec, 2023
Andrea Pezzella, M.D., FPMRS, FACOG, and her staff are pleased to congratulate Dr. Jessica Rueb on her successful completion of all the requirements from the American Board of Urology with the subspeciality certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPM-RS), also known as Urogynecology. Dr. Rueb joined Southern Urogynecology in April of 2023. She brings years of experience providing care for women of the midlands as a Urologist. She trained with experts in the field of Urogynecology at Cleveland Clinic and University of Virginia, thus it was not surprise to us when she was swiftly able to surpass all requirements for obtaining her second board certification. She has already become a valued member of the Southern Urogynecology team. “We are thrilled for Dr. Rueb and this amazing accomplishment. She is now a double board-certified physician and is an incredible part of our team,” says Dr. Pezzella. “We look forward to many more years improving the lives of women in and around the midlands.” Since joining Southern Urogynecology Wellness & Aesthetics in April of this year, Dr. Rueb has had over 1,800 patient encounters, has performed over 200 in-office procedures, and has completed over 100 surgeries. “It has been a great honor to be part of the Southern Urogynecology team and serve the women of this community. I am so proud to be one of the few double board-certified FPMRS urologists in South Carolina. I look forward to many more milestones with my wonderful team at Southern Urogynecology” says Rueb.

Southern Urogynecology Wellness & Aesthetics performed its first Neuspera sacral neuromodulation procedure for overactive bladder

01 Nov, 2023
Southern Urogynecology Wellness & Aesthetics performed its first Neuspera sacral neuromodulation procedure for overactive bladder, in their office on October 31 st . Nuespera is a pre-FDA approved therapy and another innovative therapy for our patients suffering with urinary incontinence.

BlueWind Medical Introduces Revi for Urge Urinary Incontinence

11 Oct, 2023
BlueWind Revi™ was crafted with the patient and the physicians who treat UUI in mind. Our advanced battery-free implant allows for the device to be miniature in size without the need for replacement surgeries due to battery depletion, lead migration, or lead fracture. Our innovative external wearable technology powers the implant for a patient-centric approach to therapy allowing for increases in energy and stimulation sessions based on the patients’ needs, giving you the flexibility to ensure the best possible outcome. In the OASIS study Completers analysis (N=139) at 12 months, Revi demonstrated:  95% of patients were satisfied with the treatment 82% of patients had a less than or equal to 50% reduction in UUI episodes 50% of patients were dry at 12 months on 3 consecutive days For more information on the clinical outcomes, visit: https://bluewindmedical.com/providers/clinical-outcomes/

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

11 Oct, 2023
An estimated 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2023, according to the American Cancer Society. The good news is that we are seeing improved survival rates and advanced treatment options. Be sure you are taking control of your risk by taking ownership of your own health and changing any behaviors that heighten your risk. For more information and to learn about prevention strategies, click here and be sure to schedule your yearly mammogram .

RECIPE Study Newsletter

03 Oct, 2023
For more information about eCoin® as a treatment for Urge Urinary Incontinence, visit https://valenciatechnologies.com/
Axonics

How does Axonics Therapy work?

06 Sep, 2023
Have you have previously received or are currently receiving Botox® (onabotulinum toxinA) treatments for overactive bladder? Has Botox provided you relief from your overactive bladder symptoms? If you are still suffering with bladder leaks, or frequent and uncontrollable urges to go to the bathroom, there’s still hope! Dr. Pezzella offers Axonics® Therapy, an advanced bladder control therapy for the treatment of overactive bladder. Axonics Therapy offers long-term symptom relief, eliminating the need for repeat injections and office visits. How does Axonics Therapy work? Axonics Therapy provides gentle stimulation to the nerves that control the bladder. This stimulation can help restore normal control of the bladder, resulting in symptom improvement. In fact, 93% of patients experienced 50% or greater reduction in their symptoms, and 94% were satisfied with Axonics Therapy at 2 years. Proudly Recognized as an Axonics Center of Excellence
woman talking to doctor

Seeking Volunteers for New Clinical Research

31 Aug, 2023
We are currently searching for participants to participate in Neuspera's SANS-UUI clinical study at our office, Southern Urogynecology Wellness & Aesthetics. Neuspera's Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) System is a miniature wireless midfield powered implanted neurostimulation device for Urinary Urgency Incontinence (UUI). The devise is under investigation for the treatment of subjects with UUI who failed or could not tolerate more conservative treatments. The primary objective of the study is to assess the safety and efficacy of the Neuspera SNS System which will be assessed at 6-month post implant visit. Here are basic eligibility requirements for potential study subjects: Is male or female 22 years of age or older Has a diagnosis of UUI for greater than or equal to 6 months Has a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 to 40 kg/ m2 Willing to consider an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure for their UUI symptoms If you meet the needs mentioned and you would like to learn more, please call our office at 803-457-7000 or email tmcgready@southurogyn.com Please note that only our staff can determine if a candidate meets full eligibility requirements. Visit https://neuspera.com/ to learn more.
walk with a doc southern urogynecology

Join Dr. Pezzella at Walk With A Doc - Columbia!

12 Jun, 2023
We are excited to start the first Columbia, SC chapter of Walk with a Doc. After years of recommending that their patients get out and exercise, they are happy to have found an organization that will let their shoes do the talking! You may even see some pre-med and medical students attending the walks as well – the more the merrier! Let’s get out there and get healthy! Every 2nd Saturday of the month! Upcoming July 8, August 12, September 9. 9:00 – 10:00 AM Saluda Riverwalk - 650 Candi Ln. Columbia, SC (meet near the river) The event is FREE and all are welcome! Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking. Walk your own pace and distance. This program was started in Columbus, OH in April of 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir and has now expanded throughout the world. You don’t need any special gear and there are no special rules. Our walking groups are a safe, fun, and FREE place to get some steps, learn about health, and meet new friends.

Southern Urogynecology Wellness & Aesthetics Welcomes Dr. Rueb

17 Apr, 2023
Jessica J. Rueb, MD, Board Certified Urologist and Fellowship Trained Urogynecologist joins Andrea Pezzella, MD, FPMRS, FACOG at Southern Urogynecology

Southern Urogynecology recognized as first implanter for the eCoin®

29 Mar, 2023
Dr. Andrea M. Pezzella and the Southern Urogynecology team is recognized as the first implanter for the eCoin® implants Post Approval Study.
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