Leslie M. Rickey, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Urology and of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive SciencesCards
About
Titles
Associate Professor of Urology and of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
Vice Chair, Faculty Affairs, Urology; Fellowship Director, Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
Biography
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.”
Appointments
Urology
Associate Professor on TermPrimaryObstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
Associate Professor on TermSecondary
Other Departments & Organizations
Education & Training
- Fellowship
- Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine (2007)
- Residency
- Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine (2005)
- Internship
- Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine (2000)
- MPH
- TULANE UNIV SCHOOL OF PUB HEALTH & TROP MEDICINE (1999)
- MD
- Tulane University School of Medicine (1999)
- BA
- University of North Carolina (1993)
Research
Academic Achievements and Community Involvement
Clinical Care
Overview
Leslie M. Rickey, MPH, MD, 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).
She says the most fulfilling part of her job is helping improve her patients’ lives. “Many women are limited by their bladder problems or vaginal support issues and stop doing or enjoying everyday activities,” Dr. Rickey says. A female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgeon, she offers both minimally invasive procedures and behavioral interventions that can quickly make a big impact on very bothersome pelvic floor conditions that range from overactive bladder to urinary incontinence to pelvic organ prolapse.
“If I can allow someone to get back to exercising, hiking, making it through a business meeting, traveling or being able to chase after their kids or grandkids, that makes my day,” says Dr. Rickey. “It's a real privilege to get to know these women and play a role in restoring their quality of life, and I often hear, ‘I wish I had done this sooner.’”
Because pelvic floor issues are so common for women—and are infrequently discussed in society—she finds that the patients she treats like to let other women know they don’t have to live with these issues: help is available. “Patients will end up convincing their mothers or friends to come in to see me,” she says, “so it's great that the education effect can ripple out into someone's circle of family and friends.”
Dr. Rickey, who is an associate professor of urology and obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine, is an investigator in a National Institutes of Health-sponsored, multi-center research group that is focusing on prevention of lower urinary tract or bladder symptoms across the age span, from adolescence to older women.
“So many women suffer in silence and do not even know there are specialists who treat these disorders,” she says. “I am hoping that these research efforts improve public education and also help identify targets for prevention in women who are most at risk for developing pelvic floor disorders.”
Clinical Specialties
Fact Sheets
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Learn More on Yale MedicineUrinary Incontinence in Women
Learn More on Yale MedicineStress Incontinence
Learn More on Yale MedicineFemale Incontinence
Learn More on Yale Medicine
Board Certifications
Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
- Certification Organization
- AB of Urology
- Latest Certification Date
- 2023
- Original Certification Date
- 2013
Urology
- Certification Organization
- AB of Urology
- Latest Certification Date
- 2023
- Original Certification Date
- 2009
Yale Medicine News
Links & Media
News
- August 14, 2024
TikTok Videos About Urogynecologic Conditions: Yale Study Shows Misinformation Gets More Engagement
- July 31, 2024
Yale Urology Research [Q2: April-June 2024]
- June 10, 2024Source: Yale Medicine
Is It a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)? What Women Should Know
- April 24, 2024
Yale Urology Research [Q1: January-March 2024]