Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) are a sensitive subject that many women find difficult to talk about. But the reality is that these conditions can have a profound impact on quality of life, and many women deal with these conditions in silence as a result.
Fortunately, there is hope for women with pelvic floor disorders: the Penn Women's Fully Integrated Rectovaginal Symptom Team (FIRST) clinic. The clinic was created by a team of female doctors in 2021 and specifically designed to help women address PFDs in a comfortable and supportive environment.
"We know that pelvic floor disorders can be difficult to talk about," said Farzana Rashid, MD, Director, Penn Women's GI Health and leader of the FIRST Clinic. "Our team of female physicians is here to provide a safe place where patients can feel comfortable discussing their symptoms and concerns. We believe that by creating a welcoming and inclusive space, we can help patients feel more empowered and in control of their health."
Why Visit the FIRST Clinic?
While not often talked about, PFDs are common. As many as 1 in 4 women will experience some type of PFD in their lifetime, and the incidence increases with age.
Pelvic floor disorders can happen after pregnancy and childbirth and have symptoms including abdominal discomfort and bladder and bowel issues like urinary or fecal incontinence and constipation. Symptoms of PFD can significantly impair your quality of life and even lead to depression.
"At the Penn Women's FIRST Clinic, our goal is to make patients feel better faster and improve their quality of life by bringing together multiple disciplines to address their pelvic floor disorders in one place," Dr. Rashid said. "We understand that these disorders can be complex and affect multiple aspects of patients' lives. By working together, we can provide the most comprehensive and personalized care possible."
In the Penn Women's FIRST Clinic, patients are assessed by three female physicians simultaneously ― a gastroenterologist, a colorectal surgeon and a urogynecologist. Conditions treated by the FIRST Clinic include:
- defecatory disorders
- pelvic organ prolapse
- urinary incontinence
- fecal incontinence
Meet the FIRST Clinic Team
The FIRST Clinic's core team is made up of Dr. Rashid; Nicole Saur, MD, of Colon and Rectal Surgery; and Pamela Levin, MD, of Urogynecology. Additional collaborators within the FIRST Clinic include subspecialists in gastroenterology, nutrition, physical therapy and radiology, among others.
By bringing a range of specialists who treat PFDs together, the FIRST clinic can better provide patients with a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan that addresses their unique needs.
"At the Penn Women's FIRST Clinic, we believe that every patient deserves access to the most advanced and innovative treatments for their specific pelvic floor disorder," Dr. Rashid said. "We are committed to staying at the forefront of research and innovation, so that we can offer our patients the best possible care."
Benefits of the FIRST Clinic
Some of the benefits patients can expect from visiting the FIRST Clinic include:
Patient-centered care: We put the patient at the center of the care experience. While developing personalized care plans, we take into account each patient's unique needs, preferences, and values and let them share in the decision making.
Coordinated care: Our team of female physicians works together to identify the underlying issue and develop a care plan that may include medical, surgical, or a combination of treatments. This streamlines and coordinates care that is often fragmented, increasing efficiency, making patients feel better faster, and improving their quality of life.
Multidisciplinary approach: The Penn Women's FIRST team extends beyond the office visit to other disciplines across Penn Medicine -- including radiology and physical therapy -- for more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
"The beauty in this model is that it truly is patient-centered care. We bring the care to the patient," Dr. Rashid said. "Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions about your health and treatment options. We believe that by working together, we can achieve the best possible outcome for your health and quality of life."
Request an Appointment
Patients can self-refer to the Penn Women's FIRST Clinic. To request an appointment, call 800-789-7366 or complete our online form.