An Overview
Pelvic floor disorders are a family of conditions involving the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. The umbrella covers urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and several less-discussed conditions in between.
Roughly one in three women experiences a pelvic floor disorder in her lifetime — and many will experience more than one, because these conditions share root causes and rarely live in isolation. The Institute exists to treat them as the connected system they actually are.
Most patients tell us they assumed the symptom was minor — or just something they would have to live with. Neither is usually true.
Fecal incontinence and pelvic-floor-related constipation.
Pelvic organ prolapse, including rectocele.
Chronic pelvic pain and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
Treatment Approach
Most patients with pelvic floor disorders improve significantly with behavioral, physical, and minimally invasive treatments — long before surgery enters the conversation. Here is the full toolbox, in the order we typically work through it.
What to Expect
A comprehensive first evaluation with Dr. Johnson. Time to be listened to. In-office diagnostics when possible.
Dr. Johnson has read your intake before you walk in. The conversation starts with the impact on your life — not the textbook.
Performed with explanation at every step. Nothing happens without your full awareness and consent.
Diagnostics are performed in-office where possible to avoid extra appointments.
Every option explained. Pros, cons, and what each one would mean for your week, your work, and your life.
A Patient Story
Dr. Johnson was the first physician who looked at all of it at once. Bladder, bowel, the pressure — they were connected. I had been seeing three different doctors and getting three different versions of 'live with it.'
— M.E., treated for combined incontinence and prolapse
Frequently Asked
Frequently, yes. The bladder, bowel, and supportive structures share an anatomical neighborhood and many of the same risk factors. A patient with prolapse very often has some degree of incontinence; a patient with chronic pelvic pain often has pelvic floor muscle dysfunction contributing to it. Treating one in isolation, without evaluating the others, leaves results on the table.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
Both. A skilled general OB/GYN handles many pelvic floor concerns competently. But for refractory symptoms, complex anatomy, advanced prolapse, or coordinated bladder-bowel-pain pictures, fellowship training in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery exists for a reason. The threshold for referral should be low.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
For the vast majority of pelvic floor diagnoses, yes — and often as the first-line treatment. The specific exercises and goals look very different depending on what we are treating. A well-trained pelvic floor PT works in close coordination with our office.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
Yes, though the pattern differs. Male pelvic floor disorders most often present as urinary symptoms after prostate surgery, chronic pelvic pain, or bowel symptoms. We see men in this practice when their referring physician thinks pelvic floor evaluation is warranted.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
A 60-minute appointment with Dr. Johnson. A detailed history that asks about all three systems — bladder, bowel, support — even if you came in for one. A focused examination. In-office diagnostics where indicated. And a written plan that reflects what we actually found, not a one-size template.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., U.R.P.S.
A thorough, unhurried evaluation with Dr. Johnson. You will leave with a written plan — and clarity on what pelvic floor disorders is doing in your body, and what to do about it.
