CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN is a common complaint, but pinpointing the specific cause can be a challenge. “A lot of times women with chronic, severe pelvic pain suspect or even assume they have endometriosis, but that’s not always the case,” said Dr. Sleiman Smaili, a board-certified OB/GYN with The University of Toledo Physicians group.
Though endometriosis is the most common gynecological cause of chronic pelvic pain, only about one in five cases of chronic pelvic pain in women originate from a gynecological issue. “There is a long list of things that can cause serious pelvic pain, and often there is more than one factor at play,” Smaili said. “You might have endometriosis but also have a urinary tract or bowel issue. Without comprehensive treatment, you’re not going to get better.”
Smaili is part of a multidisciplinary team of physicians and other healthcare providers who care for bladder and pelvic health issues at UTP’s new Restore Wellness Clinic, which opened May 1 at Regency Court. Led by Dr. Ahmed El-Zawahry, a fellowship-trained urologist, the Restore Wellness team includes colorectal and vascular surgeons, gynecologists, urologists, and physical therapists. Together, they offer comprehensive, personalized care for a range of health issues, including pelvic floor disorders, urinary incontinence, bowel disfunction, and prostate conditions.
While pelvic floor disorders are more common in women—more than a quarter of women will experience a pelvic floor condition during their lifetime—they also can affect men. Similarly, urinary incontinence is more common in women, but both men and women can suffer from overactive bladder.
All these conditions can take a serious toll on someone’s quality of life. “Whether it’s physical pain or the embarrassment that can come with issues like urinary leakage, these can significantly impact someone’s quality of life,” Smaili said. “Our team is focused on helping patients overcome the physical, social, and emotional issues that come with these common conditions.” In the case of chronic pelvic pain, if it is caused by endometriosis—a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus—it can be treated with medication or surgery. But Smaili said there are a number of potential causes outside the traditional area of expertise for a gynecologist, which is why it’s so valuable to have a team with diverse areas of expertise. “I’ve seen patients with a long history of pelvic pain who have had multiple procedures but are still not getting better. They’ve had to live with that pain,” he said. “Having multiple specialists working together is going to give us a much better chance at successfully treating those complicated cases.”
And having all those experts in one place can limit a patient’s need to visit different doctors’ offices on different days. “The idea really is having everything in place so a patient can see multiple specialists on the same day,” Smaili said. “Not only is that more convenient for the patient, but it also allows for a more coordinated level of care.”
To schedule an appointment with the Restore Wellness team, or for more information, call 419517-5656.
Tyrel Linkhorn is a communications specialist at The University of Toledo.
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