There's no need to suffer in silence. Bladder leakage and other pelvic floor disorders are treatable.
We are committed to provide each of our patients with the most personalized care – the approach and treatment that works best for you, your life, and your preferences.
Bladder Leakage is common.
Nearly 45% of adult women report occasional bladder leakage. In a great majority of cases, bladder leakage can be cured or improved. There are a vast number of treatment options. Remember: bladder leakage is common and treatable.
This is what makes our care so special.
Because urogynecology is a relatively new specialty, there are few providers in the Twin Cities in comparison to other medical specialties. Our urogynecologists have extensive experience, training and knowledge. Our goal is to customize our care for each and ever patient so every woman has the best opportunity for a great outcome.
We're dedicated to finding the right treatment options for you.
Our goal is to restore confidence, dignity, freedom and enjoyment of life to women suffering from conditions of the pelvic floor. These common conditions - urinary leakage, fecal seepage, falling bladders, and pelvic pain - often plague women and dramatically impact their lifestyle. We are here to help.
What our patients say:
MINNESOTA WOMEN'S CARE UROGYNECOLOGY
Our Urogynecology Team
As specialists in urogynecology and pelvic floor disorders, the multi-disciplinary team at Minnesota Women's Care is prepared for a full range of treatment options – not just surgery. Our team of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, chiropractors, and physical therapists has the experience and training to deliver effective treatments that relieve symptoms and restore quality of life. Our team is led by board-certified urogynecologist Dr. Melvin Ashford.
Dr. Ashford was one of the first board certified urogynecologists in the state of Minnesota and has a 17-year track record of clinical and surgical excellence.
Our Approach
Urogynecology and Center for Pelvic Floor Disorders
Our innovative and comprehensive treatment programs start with an accurate diagnosis. We use rehabilitative and curative care plans that are attentive to our patients' emotional, educational and physical needs.
Remember: Surgery is NOT the only answer. Our urogynecologists offer a number of non-surgical options that have helped many women find relief from troublesome symptoms. These treatments include in-house pelvic floor therapy, platelet-rich plasma injections, vaginal treatments (like Femilift, Thermiva and Geneveve), urethral bulking procedures, and Urgent PC. We’ll work with you to find the right solution.
Where surgery is required, your care plan may include both pre- and post- operative physical therapy to rehabilitate your pelvic function.

About Pelvic Floor Disorders
What conditions are treated by Urogynecologists?
Urogynecology is the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders which involve the complex system of muscles, ligaments, connective tissue, and nerves that help support and control the rectum, uterus, vagina, and bladder. Damage to the pelvic floor can occur for any number of reasons including childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease or surgery.
Women with pelvic floor disorders typically experience these kinds of symptoms:
- Urinary incontinence: loss of bladder or bowel control with leakage of urine or feces
- Prolapse: descent of pelvic organs; a bulge and/or pressure; “dropped” uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum
- Emptying disorders: difficulty urinating or moving bowels
- Pelvic pain: discomfort to the lower back, pelvis or bladder and/or urethra
- Overactive Bladder: frequent need to void, bladder pressure, urgency, urge incontinence (difficulty holding back urine when having the urge to urinate)
- Fistulas: abnormal hole between the vagina and rectum (recto-vaginal), vagina and urethra (urethrovaginal), or vagina and the bladder (vesicovaginal)
About Surgical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repairs
As OBGYNs and Urogynecologists, our team is uniquely qualified with both the training and experience necessary to successfully repair even the most advanced cases of pelvic organ prolapse. If you are currently suffering from this condition, there is hope and help.
We have provided examples of some of Dr. Ashford's prolapse repairs. The images are taken immediately before and after surgery. Please excuse the graphic nature. These are for educational and informative purposes only.