Leslie M. Rickey, MD, MPH

Dr. Leslie M. Rickey specializes in helping women suffering from problems related to the pelvic floor, including weaknesses of the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that support healthy bladder, vaginal, and bowel function. Dr. Rickey treats patients with urinary incontinence (urine leakage), overactive bladder (urinary urgency and frequency), fecal incontinence (bowel leakage), pelvic organ prolapse (when a pelvic organ like the bladder or uterus drops, or “prolapses,” down and causes vaginal pressure or bulge symptoms), and genital-urinary tract fistulas (a connection between the vagina and the bladder that causes continuous urine leakage).

Dr. Rickey’s residency and fellowship training included a unique integration of the urology and gynecology specialties. Her training in both areas has allowed her to provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary care to women with urinary tract or pelvic floor issues.

“Urologic conditions are interwoven with so many other health conditions,” Dr. Rickey says. “I see many women who have been avoiding activities such as exercise, hiking, swimming, or traveling due to their bladder or prolapse symptoms. It is extremely gratifying to have the ability to do an office, outpatient or minimally-invasive procedure that allows them to return to the lifestyle they enjoy.”

Dr. Rickey is committed to furthering research and continuing to advance new studies in women’s health. She previously served on the Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network and is now the Yale site Principal Investigator for the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium, both sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

“Each woman has a different complex of symptoms, lifestyle and activities that are affected by her pelvic floor symptoms. Patients also have different treatment goals,” Dr. Rickey explains. “Many of these pelvic floor conditions co-occur, so I think it is absolutely critical to go to a physician who is going to query all of the pelvic floor symptoms a woman might have, including bladder, uterus, vaginal, and bowel issues. We take a very multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.”

With her training in public health, Dr. Rickey also seeks to empower women and involve them in their own treatment, giving her patients the information they need to make the choices that are right for them.

“These conditions are quite common,” she says. “I always discuss a range of treatment options with my patients, from behavioral and lifestyle changes to office procedures and surgery, when appropriate. I think an educated patient can be more empowered to make lasting changes that will reduce their incontinence, prolapse and bowel symptoms.”