Women in Nassau County now have access to a new healthcare option for treating pelvic health disorders, thanks to the arrival of Dr. Margeaux Dennis, the first board-certified female urologist to open a practice in the area. Dr. Dennis, who has extensive training in both general urology and women’s health conditions, has joined the Baptist Health Urology Medical Group.
Dr. Dennis is a native of Ohio, and after completing her medical education at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Florida, she practiced in Lansing, Michigan, before deciding to return to Florida with her husband. She found a welcoming environment at Baptist Nassau, which she felt offered a culture that was friendly and supportive, which aligns with her goal of establishing a community-based practice.
The Growing Need for Female Urology Care
Female urology is a specialized field focusing on the treatment of pelvic floor disorders, conditions that affect the muscles and tissues that support the bladder, uterus, bowel, and rectum. These conditions, which include urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse, are often caused by factors such as injury from vaginal childbirth or the gradual weakening of muscles with age.
Pelvic floor disorders are distressing but not life-threatening, and they can severely affect a woman’s quality of life. Women experiencing these conditions often suffer from pain, difficulties with physical activities, and sexual dysfunction. With age, the prevalence of these disorders increases, affecting more than 40% of women aged 60 to 79 and about half of women over 80.
Despite the high incidence, many women suffer in silence, as pelvic health disorders are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. A 2008 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that nearly 24% of U.S. women experience one or more pelvic floor disorders, highlighting the need for better care and attention to these conditions.
Challenging the Stigma of “Normal” Aging
For years, conditions like postmenopausal urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction have been dismissed as “normal” parts of aging. However, Dr. Dennis emphasizes that these issues should not be accepted as a natural consequence of getting older. Many women suffer unnecessarily because they are unaware that effective treatments are available.
Dr. Dennis is passionate about raising awareness and offering solutions to improve the lives of women as they age. “There is a pathology, and oftentimes there are things we can treat to improve their life as they continue to age,” she says, stressing that women should not have to suffer in silence.
Treatment Options and Technological Advances
Dr. Dennis treats a range of conditions, including overactive bladder, pelvic pain, stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary tract infections, and kidney stones. Treatments vary from simple, nonsurgical approaches to more advanced surgical interventions. For example, stress urinary incontinence, a condition where urine leaks due to physical activity or sneezing, can often be successfully treated without the need for surgery.
One of the exciting advances in the field is a non-invasive treatment for overactive bladder, where an electrical stimulation device is worn on the ankle. This device sends signals via nerves that regulate the bladder, helping to reduce the frequency of urination.
As a field that has been at the forefront of medical technology, urology continues to embrace innovation, and Dr. Dennis is excited to incorporate these advancements into her practice.
Building Trust and Connection
Dr. Dennis’s approach to patient care focuses on developing personal relationships with her patients, helping them feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues. “I see a lot of female patients who are really happy to have a female urologist and feel more comfortable opening up about things,” she says. Building trust and ensuring that patients feel heard and understood are at the core of her practice philosophy.
Conclusion
Dr. Margeaux Dennis’s practice at Baptist Medical Center Nassau is a valuable resource for women in Nassau County dealing with pelvic health issues. By offering specialized care in female urology, she is helping to break the stigma surrounding these conditions and providing women with the care and attention they deserve. With advancements in treatment options and a compassionate approach to care, Dr. Dennis is helping women live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
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