Pelvic Health Care in Torrance, CA

What we treat

• Bladder leakage: leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise (stress incontinence), sudden strong urges (urge incontinence), or both

• Pelvic floor dysfunction: pelvic pressure or heaviness, pelvic pain, or trouble emptying your bladder or bowels

• Vaginal dryness and GSM: dryness, burning, pain with sex and urinary symptoms caused by lower estrogen around menopause (genitourinary syndrome of menopause)

• Pain with sex

• Diastasis recti: separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy

Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, chronic constipation, heavy lifting and aging are common causes. These problems can be treated at any stage of life.

Bladder health and leakage

Leaking urine is common, but it isn't a normal part of aging or motherhood that you have to accept. There are two main types, and many women have both:

• Stress incontinence: leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump or exercise, usually because the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder have weakened

• Urge incontinence (overactive bladder): a sudden, strong need to urinate, going often, getting up at night, or leaking before you reach the bathroom

Treatment depends on the type and may combine pelvic floor strengthening, in-office Vtone treatment, bladder retraining, vaginal estrogen after menopause and lifestyle changes. Dr. Abigail also checks for causes such as urinary tract infections.

Vaginal dryness and GSM

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is the name for vaginal and urinary changes caused by lower estrogen during perimenopause and after menopause. Symptoms include:

• Vaginal dryness, burning or itching

• Pain or bleeding with sex

• Urgency, frequent urination or repeated urinary tract infections

Unlike hot flashes, GSM usually doesn't go away on its own, but it is very treatable. Options include low-dose vaginal estrogen, non-hormonal moisturizers and lubricants, and pelvic floor care. Learn about menopause and hormone therapy →

Vtone pelvic floor treatment

Vtone is FDA-cleared to provide electrical stimulation and neuromuscular re-education of weak pelvic floor muscles, to treat stress, urge and mixed urinary incontinence in women. A small internal probe gently contracts and retrains your pelvic floor while you rest. Sessions are short, there's no downtime, and most women complete a series of treatments. More about Vtone →

Morpheus8V

Morpheus8V is an in-office treatment that delivers fractional radiofrequency energy through fine microneedles to the vaginal and vulvar tissue. Dr. Abigail reviews your symptoms and history first, explains what the treatment involves and what to expect, and recommends it only when it suits your goals. Numbing is used for comfort, and most women return to normal activities soon after. More about Morpheus8V →

Other treatment options

• Vaginal estrogen and non-hormonal moisturizers for dryness and urinary symptoms

• Pelvic floor physical therapy referral to a specialist therapist, especially for pain or tight muscles

• Guided pelvic floor exercises, done correctly

• Bladder habits and lifestyle changes that reduce urgency and leakage

• Referral to a urogynecologist when surgery or specialist care may be needed

What to expect

At your first visit, Dr. Abigail asks about your symptoms, pregnancies and births, bladder and bowel habits, and what you want to get back to doing. A pelvic exam shows how your muscles and tissue are working. You leave with a clear plan, and if an in-office treatment is a fit, a treatment schedule. The first visit and in-office treatments take place in Torrance; some follow-ups can be done by telehealth anywhere in California.

Insurance and payment

Office visits are covered by many plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Health Net PPO and UnitedHealthcare. In-office treatments such as Vtone and Morpheus8V may not be covered. Call to confirm coverage and to inquire on treatment pricing; Cherry payment plans are available.

Call (424) 247-7397