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New MU urogynecologist offers comprehensive care, streamlined appointment process Raymond Foster, M.D., a urogynecologist at Missouri OB/GYN Associates at Columbia Regional Hospital, offers women with pelvic complaints convenient, quality care through a comprehensive clinic that also decreases the need for repetitive appointments before treatment begins. Although pelvic complaints such as urinary incontinence and loss of pelvic organ support affect millions of women, they are not a normal part of aging or an inevitable consequence of childbirth. They are medical conditions with many possible causes, and in most cases, the conditions are very treatable. “We have developed our clinic with the patient’s convenience in mind,” said Foster. “Traditionally, patients will have to make three or four clinic visits during the diagnostic phase of their care before they receive treatment for what are usually very common complaints, such as urinary incontinence or poor support of their pelvic organs. In most cases, we offer necessary testing on a patient’s initial appointment to avoid repetitive trips to the clinic before treatment begins. This not only benefits our patients, but also family members or friends who may have to take time off work and drive the patient to the clinic.” Urinary incontinence is more common in women than in men, and it affects about 25 percent of women under 65 and approximately 30 percent of women over 65. Urge incontinence caused by an overactive bladder is the most common form. Stress incontinence is caused by weakened tissue that supports the urethra and bladder and results in loss of urine during activities such as laughing, sneezing, coughing or exercising. When the bladder does not completely empty during urination due to underactive bladder muscles, the condition is known as overflow incontinence. Conditions involving poor support of pelvic organs such as the uterus, urethra, bladder, small intestine and vagina can cause feelings of pelvic heaviness or fullness, a pulling or aching feeling in the lower abdomen or pelvis, and incontinence. Symptoms are usually more noticeable after an individual has been standing for extended periods. “Many women delay seeking medical care until their symptoms are so severe that they need surgery,” said Foster. “Surgery may be the best therapy in some cases, while others can be treated through medications and behavioral modifications. We just want women to know that we’re here, and we will do everything we can to not only offer treatment that will greatly increase their quality of life, we can do so with their convenience in mind.” For more information on urinary incontinence and loss of pelvic organ support or to make an appointment, please contact Foster at (573) 875-9258. Missouri OB/GYN Associates is located in Columbia Regional Hospital’s Health Pavilion at 404 Keene St., in Columbia, Mo. University of Missouri Health Care’s system of hospitals, clinics and telehealth sites employs approximately 6,000 clinicians, scientists, educators and other health professionals. The system includes University Hospital and Clinics, Children’s Hospital, Columbia Regional Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and University Physicians, all based in Columbia, Mo. The health system also includes a long-term acute care facility, Missouri Rehabilitation Center, in Mount Vernon, Mo. Academic affiliates of the health system include the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Sinclair School of Nursing and School of Health Professions. Other affiliates of the health system include Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia, Mo.; Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Mo.; and Cooper County Memorial Hospital in Boonville, Mo. |
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