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Bladder & Pelvic Health/ Urogynecology

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Private Concerns, Thoughtful Care

Specialized Pelvic Health Care

If coughing, laughing, or sneezing makes you worry about bladder leakage, you’re not alone. Pelvic floor disorders affect many women and can cause bladder and bowel control concerns, yet these symptoms can sometimes be difficult to talk about.

Sturdy Health OB/GYN & Women’s Health gynecologists can help identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan based on your needs. Bladder leakage is not necessarily a normal part of aging and is often treatable.

Conditions and Services

Sturdy Health’s Center for Bladder & Pelvic Health provides urogynecological services focused on the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions including:


Recognizing Changes in Pelvic Function

Do You Have Urinary Incontinence or Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control, and it can affect people of all genders. Women may experience urinary incontinence more often due to hormonal changes during menopause and changes to the pelvic floor during pregnancy and childbirth.

There are several types of incontinence, including:

Stress incontinence: Leakage that occurs when you cough, sneeze, lift, exercise, or put pressure on your bladder.

Urge incontinence: A sudden, strong need to urinate that may be difficult to control. It can also cause urinary frequency, urgency, and the need to urinate during the night.

Fecal incontinence: The loss or leakage of stool, which may or may not be accompanied by an urge to have a bowel movement.

Other pelvic floor conditions can also affect bladder, bowel, and pelvic health. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more pelvic organs move downward and may cause a feeling of pressure, fullness, or a bulge in the vagina.

Our providers can discuss your symptoms with you and help determine whether nonsurgical or surgical treatment options may be appropriate.

Services & Treatment

Incontinence or a pelvic floor condition doesn’t have to keep you from the activities you enjoy. We offer treatment options designed around your needs to help you manage your symptoms and return to the things that matter to you.

Your treatment plan will be personalized based on your symptoms, health, and goals. At your first appointment, your provider will review your medical history and may recommend testing to better understand your condition and determine the most appropriate treatment.

Once your provider has made a diagnosis, they’ll discuss treatment options that may include:

Providers in this Field

All Providers
Stricker_Barbara_WEB_25G

Barbara Stricker, FACOG, FPMRS, MD

Gynecology, Menopause, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Urogynecology
Philosophe_Ralph_WEB_25G

Ralph Philosophe, FACOG, FPMRS, FRSCS, MD

Obstetrics/Gynecology, Urogynecology

Upcoming Events & Classes

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April 27, 2027 | 12:00 am - 11:59 pm | Online

Day of Giving

Each year, Sturdy Health designates 24 hours to recognize and support Sturdy’s importance to the health of our community.
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September 13, 2027 | 8:30 am - 8:30 am | Franklin Country Club

Ralph P. Schlenker Golf Tournament

Sturdy Health Foundation will host its 29th Annual Ralph P. Schlenker Golf Tournament on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Franklin Country Club, 672 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038.
Circle of Comfort and Support
October 12, 2026 | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Sturdy Memorial Hospital

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group for parents, grandparents, and family members who are mourning the loss of a child. Share experiences and engage in discussion on a variety of topics together. You are not alone.
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