Riverside Center for Female Continence and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

3555 Olentangy River Road
South Medical Building
Suite 4050
Columbus, OH 43214
Phone: (614) 566-2727

What is incontinence and pelvic floor prolapse?

Many women consider the leakage of urine to be normal. The problem is common, but is not normal and in most cases, it can be treated. Urinary incontinence is a symptom of a physical problem, not a disease in itself. Research has shown that one in four women aged 30 to 59 experiences incontinence.

When a woman's female organs or bladder bulge, sag or fall out of the normal position, this is called a "prolapse." Pelvic floor prolapse can occur quickly, but most often it occurs gradually over time. Many things may contribute to pelvic prolapse, including your family medical history, childbirth, prior surgery and chronic constipation.

Our mission

The experienced and highly trained physicians and staff at the Riverside Center for Female Continence and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery provide medical expertise, personalized care, diagnosis and treatment to women with pelvic floor problems.

Our Mission: To provide the best possible care to women with pelvic floor dysfunction.

• We work closely with obstetrician/gynecologists, internal medicine and family medicine physicians to coordinate care and treatment to optimize the healthcare for patients.
• We participate in medical education to provide an advanced learning environment for medical residents, patients and families.
• Because we participate in clinical research, our services reflect the most up-to-date approaches in the growing field of urogynecology including the science, causes, diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Urogynecology services

• Multichannel Urodynamics
• Office Cystoscopy
• Endoanal Ultrasound
• Non-invasive Therapy
• Physical Therapy*
• Advanced Surgical Therapy
• Sacral Nerve Stimulation

*Provided by OhioHealth Physical Rehabilitation

Areas of special interest

• Urinary Incontinence
• Fecal Incontinence
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Genital Tract Fistulas
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Bladder Pain Disorders

Joseph M. Novi, DO, FACOG, Medical Director
Dr. Novi is a fellowship-trained urogynecology physician. He received his medical degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Ob/Gyn residency at Geisinger Medical Center where he served as Chief Resident.

Dr. Novi joined the medical staff at Geisinger and was appointed Vice-Chairman and then Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In 2002, Dr. Novi left general Ob/Gyn practice to pursue his additional 3 years of training as a Fellow in Urogynecology at the University of Pennsylvania.

He has twice been awarded the National Faculty Teaching Award by the Council on Residency Training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and has presented several research papers at national and international conferences. Dr. Novi has also traveled to Africa to participate in a United Nations-sponsored project to provide surgical services to women with childbirth injuries.

James Q. Pulvino, MD, FACOG
Dr. Pulvino is a fellowship-trained urogynecology physician. He received his medical degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine in St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada. He completed his Ob/Gyn residency at Maine Medical Center, where he served as chief resident. He then completed a 3-year fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York.

Dr. Pulvino is board eligible in Obstetric-Gynecology and has presented several research papers at national and international conferences.