Our Approach to Your Care

Treatment Philosophy

Our treatment philosophy is conservative. This means we favor approaches that involve the least risk, least discomfort and are the least invasive. Research conducted here at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing and elsewhere has demonstrated that many patients can be successfully treated using these conservative methods.

We begin with a comprehensive evaluation. State-of-the-art diagnostic procedures enable us to design effective treatment plans for the most persistent and hard-to-treat cases.

• History and physical examination
• Pelvic floor muscle assessment
• Fluid intake and voiding patterns
• Simple bladder function tests
• Other diagnostic tests as needed

Based on the evaluation, we work with each patient to tailor non-invasive treatments that meet her own particular needs, preferences and lifestyles. Treatment strategies include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Behavioral therapies
• Toileting strategies
• Scheduled voiding regimes
• Bladder training
• Pelvic floor muscle training
• Biofeedback
• Drug therapy
• Pessary fitting and care
• Absorbent products, skin care regimes and devices

For those who would like to pursue more invasive treatments, our collaboration with University of Minnesota Physicians enables us to offer referrals to urologist, urogynocologists, or other specialists.

Links:

• Topical estrogen information
• Behavioral prescription (PDF)
• Bladder diary (PDF)

(Note: You will need the Acrobat Reader to access the PDF documents. You can download a free copy of this software by clicking here.)