Support where you need it most: Pelvic Floor Reconstruction with Dr. Joseph W. Semien Jr.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is more common than many women realize—and it affects far more than your ability to sneeze without crossing your legs. Whether it’s struggling to keep up with your kids, skipping workouts due to discomfort or just feeling like something isn’t quite right, these issues are common, but they’re not something you have to accept.

The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders increases with age and after childbirth. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, approximately 24% of U.S. women experience at least one pelvic floor disorder, such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. In addition, 32.45% of women with three or more births experience pelvic floor disorders.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that support your bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. When these muscles weaken or are injured—often due to childbirth, aging or chronic straining—some women may experience pelvic dysfunction, causing uncomfortable pressure, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse or even fecal incontinence.

Relief is Closer Than You Think

Although surgery is not always the first in the line of treatment, surgery can be done to support and help reconstruct the pelvic floor and correct the incontinence issues. Dr. Joseph Semien Jr., a board-certified OB/GYN with Lake Charles Memorial Health System, offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for pelvic floor disorders.

For some patients, a minimally invasive procedure may be recommended to support pelvic organs and treat urinary incontinence. According to Dr. Semien, “We also embrace looking at the full picture—what’s happening structurally and functionally—to treat each woman with care and precision. We have treatment options here in our community. You don’t have to suffer alone, and you don’t have to leave SWLA to get help.”

Pelvic floor issues are treatable and even preventable. You may be able to lower your risk by strengthening your pelvic floor muscles and staying at a healthy weight throughout your adult life. If you begin to experience unwanted symptoms or discomfort, an appropriate evaluation is necessary to determine the type and cause of the problem. Pelvic floor dysfunction may be common, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal.

Dr. Semien has built a strong reputation in the Lake Charles community by providing high quality OB/GYN services to women. His training, research and experience of performing procedures for more than 10 years has allowed him to help many.