We treat women with urogynecological disorders, which arise from pelvic floor dysfunction, such as urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, interstitial cystitis, and related sexual dysfunction. These symptoms are caused by damage to the muscles of the pelvic floor. Our specialists help women understand their condition, recognize their symptoms, and match them with the treatment that best suits their comfort level and lifestyle. Many people assume pelvic floor disorders only affect a small number of elderly or disabled women, or are an unavoidable consequence of aging. However, they are actually very common—one in three adult women suffer from incontinence or prolapse—and are treatable. Our patients receive care and treatment at our Pelvic Medicine and Continence Center. The center offers a wide range of treatment options, both surgical and nonsurgical. Our doctors are active researchers working to further advance understanding of pelvic floor dysfunction. One of our primary research goals is to develop minimally invasive treatment options so that our patients are the first to benefit from these advances.

The Yale Medicine Gastrointestinal Motility Program is led by a team of gastroenterologists who subspecialize in motility disorders. We work in collaboration with radiologists, colorectal, surgeons, GI surgeons, thoracic surgeons, urologists, urogynecologists, and physical therapists to care for patients with complex motility disorders. As part of our multidisciplinary approach, our team meets monthly to discuss complex cases to ensure that each patient receives an individualized treatment plan. We strive to provide excellent care in a compassionate way. Our state-of-the-art services include: The Bravo pH Monitoring System, a catheter-free instrument that measures acidity levels in patients suspected of having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A small capsule is attached to the wall of the esophagus, which transmits data to a pager-sized receiver, which is worn for 48 hours. During this time, patients push a button whenever they experience symptoms, so we can determine if the symptoms correlate with incidents of acid reflux. When the test is over, data from the receiver is downloaded to pH analysis software, where it is analyzed. The SmartPill Capsule, a new technology available at only about a dozen medical centers around the country. The ingestible, wireless capsule measures pressure, pH, and temperature as it moves through the GI tract, allowing physicians to identify where abnormalities in intestinal transit are located. The SmartPill transmits information to a data receiver worn by patients. After the capsule has passed from the body, patients return the receiver to the physician, who is able to display and analyze the data within minutes. Impedance monitoring is a catheter-based system that enables doctors to diagnose nonacid reflux. Patients wear the monitoring system for 24 hours, and push a button whenever they experience symptoms. Physicians then download and analyze the data to determine whether the reflux is acidic or nonacidic, and whether the symptoms correlate with incidents of reflux.

Yale’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences is dedicated to helping women at all stages of life. A global leader in women’s health, Yale is known for its innovative contributions to diagnosis and treatment, including: Developing the first fetal echocardiography Pioneering the first obstetrical ultrasound Developing the first fetal blood sampling and first fetal transfusion Offering the first chorionic villus sampling in New England Co-authoring the first U.S. study for first-trimester risk assessment Developing the first comprehensive first-trimester risk assessment program in New England Inventing fetal monitoring and many prenatal diagnostic and treatment techniques Our physicians tap into the broad expertise of our entire institution to provide compassionate, customized care for all of our patients, from adolescence through adulthood. Through eight subspecialty areas, we offer the most advanced diagnostics and therapies that harness the latest advances in technology. Recent clinical research includes a new emphasis on therapeutic vaccines in gynecologic oncology, novel treatments for endometriosis and menopause, a comprehensive patient safety program in maternal-fetal medicine, and an advanced fetal therapy program. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Family planning Gynecologic oncology Gynecologic specialties Maternal-fetal medicine Obstetric specialties & midwifery Pediatric & adolescent gynecology Reproductive endocrinology & infertility Urogynecology & reconstructive pelvic surgery Maternal-fetal medicine service offers 24-hour on-site dedicated space for complex pregnancies and fetal care First in Connecticut to perform in-utero laser therapy in pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome Outstanding survival outcomes for all types of gynecologic surgery, from open to robotic Pioneer in caring for patients with sexual intimacy issues after cancer surgery Fetal therapy program Midwifery and birthing center