It you’ve never heard of urogynecology, there’s a reason: The specialty is newly accredited. And Riddle Hospital’s Dr. Marc Toglia plans to be among the first group of physicians in the United States to become board certified in 2013. “Pelvic floor disorders are extremely common but seldom talked about because they represent embarrassing symptoms,” he says. “A woman’s risk of developing one is greater than 50 percent.”
Typically associated with pregnancy and delivery, the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue the support the pelvic organs can weaken, resulting in incontinence, difficulties with intercourse and organ prolapse. Thankfully, there have been significant advances in medical and surgical care in recent years.
In the case of more than half the procedures, Toglia can take a minimally invasive approach. “More than 20 percent of women undergo this type of surgical repair in their lifetime, making it more common than breast cancer,” says Toglia.
