The Penn Women's Fully Integrated Rectovaginal Symptom Team (FIRST) clinic is a multidisciplinary program with a unique patient-centered care model for women with pelvic floor disorders (PFD).
Led by women for women, the FIRST clinic addresses colorectal, gastrointestinal, and urogynecological issues, including defecatory disorders, prolapse, and incontinence, in a single convenient location.
Relief from Pelvic Floor Disorders
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. These disorders arise from multiple causes such as:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Gynecologic discomfort symptoms
- Bladder and bowel issues
In the Penn Women's FIRST Clinic, female patients are assessed by three female physicians simultaneously ― a gastroenterologist, a colorectal surgeon and an urogynecologist.
Conditions treated by the FIRST Clinic include:
- Defecatory disorders
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Urinary incontinence
- Fecal incontinence
Our team model streamlines and coordinates care that is often fragmented, increasing efficiency, making patients feel better faster and improving the quality of patients' lives.
Together, the team identifies the underlying issue and through shared decision-making with the patient, develops a collaborative care plan that may include a medical, surgical or combined approach.
The Penn Women's FIRST team extends beyond the office visit to other disciplines across Penn Medicine, including radiology and physical therapy for accurate diagnoses and to ensure tailored treatment plans are created. There is also an option to be assessed the same day by the Penn GI Nutrition Team.
Patients can self-refer to the Penn Women's FIRST Clinic. To request an appointment, call 800-789-7366 or complete our online form.