Vaginal Rejuvenation and Female Incontinence With Stem Cells
Taking advantage of their properties of inducing and optimizing blood supplies in tissues, and from there inducing tissues to strengthen, stem cells may rejuvenate pelvic structures by rebuilding collagen and elastin. These tissues then may become stronger and more resilient, regaining a more useful structure and function. (Please note that for severe degrees of pelvic prolapse, it is not felt that stem cells alone will be sufficiently effective. However, when combined with the necessary surgical procedures, stem cells may optimize surgical outcomes. Advocate Health Care can refer for needed surgical procedures. Advocate Health Care does not participate in hospital-based practice at the time of this writing.)
Stem cells can be placed in the area of the vaginal tissues to rebuild the muscle and the connective tissue that make up the continence mechanisms of the urethra and its surrounding tissues. From the time of placement, the full effect of the stem cells is seen in 6 months, with some effects being seen within a couple weeks.
Combining stem cells with pelvic floor rehabilitation (office-based, non-invasive procedures that re-train and strengthen the pelvic floor structures, including both muscles and nerves), will yield the best outcomes. Pelvic floor rehabilitation, when utilized for the diagnoses of stress or urge urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic floor muscle spasm or muscle weakness, or in coordination of the muscles or nerves of the pelvis, these procedures are typically covered by insurance.
Dr. Woods is a specialist in pelvic floor health and rehabilitation, and she is well-linked in the community to refer for surgical procedures when those are indicated.