OUR APPROACH
What Makes Our Care Special?
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. We don't believe in cookie cutter medicine. Every woman is unique and every situation demands a unique approach.
Our goal is to restore confidence, dignity, freedom and enjoyment of life to women suffering from conditions of the pelvic floor. We strive to use the most effective, least invasive procedure that will accomplish the desired wellness outcome. We say abreast of developments everywhere in the world to make sure our patients have every possible option for their treatment.
Because urogynecology is a relatively new specialty, there are few providers in the Twin Cities in comparison to other medical specialties. Minnesota Women's Care has more board-certified urogynecologists on staff than any other practice. Each and every woman they help has the benefit of their extensive experience, training and knowledge.
If a pelvic floor disorder like urinary leakage, fecal seepage, falling bladder, or chronic pelvic pain is impacting your life and daily activities, we are here to help.
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)
MINNESOTA WOMEN'S CARE UROGYNECOLOGY
Our Urogynecology Team
The Urogynecology Team at Minnesota Women's Care is led by Dr. Melvin Ashford. He 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 Urogynecology Team includes nurse practitioners, physician assistants, chiropractors, and physical therapists. Each have an area of expertise so we can provide the fullest range of treatment options available anywhere.
Appointment Request
If you would like to make an appointment with one of our urogynecologists, please let us know with this form or call us directly at 651-600-3035.
What our patients say about our Urogynecologists:
- Dr. Ashford is a problem solver he is concerned and listens to questions you have and he always provides solutions. his solutions go beyond just a Band-Aid Fix. He always gets the root of the problem. I appreciate him and his staff.– C.L. - Patient
- Dr Ashford is one of the best drs/surgeons.He really cares about his patients and is the only dr who would help me!!He goes above and beyond for his patients. i am so happy that i found him!!!I had surgery with him for some female issues and recovered quickly he did a great job!We are working on some other issues.He is a life saver!I absolutely love this Dr from the bottom of my heart!– D.H. - Patient
- Very patient friendly and explained everything in a way you can understand. Had been to 4 other surgeon's before I chose Dr. Ashford to do my surgery and have had perfect results!! Highly recommend!!– C.G. - Patient
- Everyone is so nice and make you feel completely comfortable. Dr. Ashford was wonderful and he made me feel completely comfortable too. Everyone had a great sense of humor. They made sure I understood everything and would ask if I had questions. I highly recommend Dr. Ashford. I couldn't have had a better experience.– G.T. - Patient
- Very impressed with the level of knowledge and care. I have been going to other doctors for years and it wasn't until Minnesota Women's Clinic that I finally found answers.– T.N. - Patient
- Dr. Ashford and his team are extremely friendly knowledgeable and caring. They made me feel at ease during a procedure and well cared for afterward! Highly recommend!– E.S. - Patient
- Dr. Ashford was really great with communication. He took his time with explaining everything to me. I'm so glad I picked him to do my procedure.... I definitely recommend anyone to see him...– S. - Patient
- Dr. Ashford has treatments for all of my issues. I am so very happy to have learned about your clinic! We need more like it and more physicians like Dr. Ashford!!– L.L. - Patient
- I have been a patient of Dr. Ashford for over 10 years now. Even after all these years and all of the growing that MWC has done in that time.. He remains kind professional and patient with my health and concerns. And I have never met anyone on his staff that has been anything other than great!!– J.M. - Patient
- I haven't slept a full eight hours since my 30s! Now I have a renewed sense of energy and zest for life. I am grateful to this clinic and Dr. Ashford; for their dedication in addressing women's needs Women's issues have been dismissed and ignored for far too long.– T.C. - Patient
- Dr. Ashford has been fantastic throughout this process from consults to surgeries and final follow ups. I'm so very grateful.– K.K. - Patient
- I had the O shots done at the Minnesota Woman's Care Clinic in Maplewood. In going into the clinic I had some fears of pain but to my surprise throughout the procedure it was at a zero. I didn't feel a thing the highest I would say on the pain scale of ten is 1 one of my main concerns was pain when I was reading about it because it sounds kind of scary but yeah I would say I didn't even feel it and I will definitely get the O shots done again at this clinic. Dr. Ashford and his team did an excellent job!– A.M. - Patient
- I have been seeing Dr Ashford since he first opened the clinic in Maplewood. I had previously received hormone therapy elsewhere with very little education or care. It doesn't take long to see that Dr. Ashford deeply cares about women's health. He takes his time and listens. He is worth waiting for. Best of all he is on the cutting edge when it comes to menopause relieving (and perhaps reversing) the signs & symptoms of aging as well and many other surgical procedures very few have mastered. I have referred this clinic to many of my friends all of whom are in their 50s. Most of them have found another doctor within the multiple clinic locations and are also very happy!! Dr. Ashford has done a great job training them especially in the areas of hormone therapy. I always feel like I'm in good & caring hands when I go in to MN Women's Clinic. I can't say enough good ....except thank you for giving me quality of life back!– G.M. - Patient
- I have been seeing Dr Ashford since he first opened the clinic in Maplewood. I had previously received hormone therapy elsewhere with very little education or care. It doesn't take long to see that Dr. Ashford deeply cares about women's health. He takes his time and listens. He is worth waiting for. Best of all he is on the cutting edge when it comes to menopause relieving (and perhaps reversing) the signs & symptoms of aging as well and many other surgical procedures very few have mastered. I have referred this clinic to many of my friends all of whom are in their 50s. Most of them have found another doctor within the multiple clinic locations and are also very happy!! Dr. Ashford has done a great job training them especially in the areas of hormone therapy. I always feel like I'm in good & caring hands when I go in to MN Women's Care. I can't say enough good ....except thank you for giving me quality of life back!– G.M. - Patient
- Dr. Ashford is an excellent surgeon. He was able to help me when others doctors could not.– N.P. - Patient
- Dr. Ashford is an excellent surgeon. He was able to help me when others doctors could not.– N.P. - Patient
- We have a plan of action!– P.K. - Patient
- I absolutely love every aspect of this facility and every healthcare worker! I have been treated in their OB department as well as reconstructive surgery with Dr. Ashford and treated myself to the services they provide in the SPA and am very satisfied with the care! The girls are so nice. Dr. Ashford & Heather DeJarnett are awesome and know their stuff! Kudos to the whole team!– V.F. - Patient
- Sharing new symptoms that I didn't think would be related, resulted in finding an issue that we had not previously found. Tying that into all the other things I've had going on and we have a new direction to look for answers and relief. Time and time again, I feel that I'm getting more answers and relief than I ever have with any other clinic. Dr Ashford and his team are all so helpful and I feel like they truly care about resolving my problems. I've never felt so passionate about the help I've gotten from a clinic. Life changing is an understatement with regards to the help I've received.– J.H. - Patient
- I have been coming to the Minnesota Women's Care clinic for the past 3 years, I have seen many of the wonderful doctor's here and it's been nothing but a positive experience. I am now enrolled in a program with Dr. Ashford that I have been a part of for the last 2 months. Everyone involved in this program has been exceptional! I will admit that the wait is occasionally been a little longer than I wanted but it is always been worth the wait. Dr. Ashford and his team have always been there to listen, and help with any issues I have had. I have never felt rushed or not listened to, I always feel that all my questions and concerns are taken care of.
The HCG program has been tough at times but very rewarding. I have dropped almost 2 sizes in less than two months, Dr. Ashford and Courtney have been amazing through out my entire experience. Courtney has been life changing, I have learned so much that I will take with me always! Thank you both so much for a rewarding and much needed experience!– Lisa Newman - I have never in my life met a doctor who is so intelligent and at the same time so incredibly caring of all of his patients.– L.L. - Patient
- I was hit with a few major diagnoses at once and didn't realize how much it could effect women's health overall. There were times where I had honestly given up on the possibility of being without pain until Dr. Ashford had instilled in me that women don't have to just exist with it.
Dr. Ashford is the most honest and thoughtful provider I've ever worked with. He explains decision making with clarity and ease without making you feel overwhelmed or small. I'm someone with a boat load of anxiety and Dr. Ashford and the team here at MNWC are truly sensitive to my needs and want to see their patients reach their wellness goals. I'm beyond thankful and wish I could begin to describe the kind of gratitude that comes with that but for now I'd just say thank you so much!– Anon - Patient - My experience with Dr. Ashford has been absolutely amazing. I've seen many physician's for my problem and this is the first time I feel that someone has listened and offered options/solutions versus being dismissive. I feel like I'm finely on the right path. I would highly recommend Dr. Ashford!– Anon - Patient
- Dr. Ashford was very thorough and listened to my concerns. He explained all my options and made me feel comfortable. He asked if I had any questions and took the time to answer them.– A.D. - Patient
- Wonderful experience! Highly recommend Dr. Ashford! Love coming to see Dr. Ashford and his nurses. They go above and beyond with their patients. I always leave with a smile on my face.– Anon - Patient
- My experience with Dr. Ashford and MWC has been excellent. Dr. Ashford always listens to what I have to say and I always feel that he is carefully considering what is best for me with my unique set of symptoms. I have every confidence in him. In addition, his staff is always responsive to my needs and questions.– B.C. - Patient
- I really like my provider Dr Ashford and his partners. The front desk staff always greets you with a smile and a warm welcome the facility is always clean and location is assessable if taking a bus. Scheduling and wait times are good if can't get in with primary you are always offered to see someone else. My treatment has always been excellent and geared to benefits my needs at the time. With that being said I need to call to schedule an appointment. Thank you.– C.C. - Patient
- I love going to the MN Women's Care clinic and Dr. Ashford is the best of the best that there is! He is very caring, knowledgeable and very passionate about what he does.
Dr. Ashford delivered my soon in 2009 and when I found out he had his own clinic in 2013 I just had to have him as my doctor again for my second child and third child. His team is so amazingly wonderful and very friendly and I love that you can just chit chat about things you have in common with them or everyday life. I have recommended this clinic and Dr. Ashford to all of my family and friends. The facility is beautiful and very clean! Wait time and scheduling was excellent when they first opened and as time went on they became busier as a growing clinic and wait time and scheduling was some times longer and further out which is understandable as a growing clinic, but I called towards the end of Dec. 2017 and couldn't get in to see anyone until the end of Jan 2017 which I just think is too long of a wait to see someone. Overall I wouldn't go anywhere else, but here. I really appreciate what Dr. Ashford has done here for all Women and thank you to his family for sharing him with the world!– Anon - Patient - RateMDs.com - Dr. Ashford and staff are absolutely top-notch. He treated several conditions I had with excellent results and corrected some mistakes other physicians had made. I didn't have to to go Mayo although I had thought about it. I found exactly what I needed at MN Women's Care. No matter what your condition, don't hesitate. Make the call for an appointment. You won't be disappointed.
Being an older woman like me doesn't mean we have to go through life ashamed, hopeless, or even ignorant about our own bodies. Dr. Ashford and staff treat women who have lots of different issues. They restore hope, dignity and make life full of possibilities again for things you may have thought were hopeless. I am so happy I go there for treatment.– J.C. - Patient - Not sure how many people can say that they followed Dr Ashford from Allina. Andrea has been my OB provider since 2002. I have seen many of the MNWC providers in my time and Dr Ashford delivered both my children. I absolutely love this family and the care they give. Dr Ashford has a wonderful mission! Thank you all.– Anon - Patient - RateMDs.com
- My experience with Dr Ashford has been very positive in getting me back to good health after my surgery. I have had two surgeries with him and good results. Dr Ashford and nurses are a great team in providing healthy experience. Rachael, Andrea have done the uroystem treatment with me great success along with others that have assisted. I love Women's Care and have referred others to the clinic. Very helpful and supportive. Thanks.– S.A. - Patient
- My experience with Dr Ashford has been very positive in getting me back to good health after my surgery. I have had two surgeries with him and good results. Dr Ashford and nurses are a great team in providing healthy experience. Rachael, Andrea have done the uroystem treatment with me great success along with others that have assisted. I love Women's Care and have referred others to the clinic. Very helpful and supportive. Thanks.– S.A. - Patient
- Dr. Ashford is a brilliant and kind physician. It's worth the wait to see him. After some years of pelvic pain, he put me on a path of therapy and treatment that has ultimately totally alleviated it completely. His expertise is invaluable and I hope more doctors can be influenced by his advanced and wholistic approach to women's care.– C.K. - Patient
- So much to say about this guy, but a huge thank you to him is needed! He is wonderful! After being in pain for over a year and assuming it was b/c of having children and getting older - he put me through some tests and found all of my issues. Now I am feeling great and loving life again! Besides Dr. Kelly - He is the BEST! I have recommended him to many of my girlfriends who are having issues and so excited for their appts with him. Thank you Dr. Ashford!– R.K. - Patient
- Dr Ashford is the best surgeon in the state of Minnesota dealing with Womens pelvic issues. He uses state of the art methods and gives you very individual care. He really listens to you. His staff from the moment you walk into his clinic treat you with the best service possible and always make you comfortable. I love going to this clinic!– M.R. - Patient
- I love Dr. Ashford he is the best of the best that there is! He is very caring, knowledgeable and very passionate about what he does. I have recommended his clinic and Dr. Ashford to all of my family and friends. I really appreciate what Dr. Ashford has done here for all Women and thank you to his family for sharing him with the world!– J.T. - Patient
- Doctor Ashford and his staff gave me my life back and I would recommend them to anyone dealing with OBGYN needs. He worked with me for many months and really listened to and understood me, he also personally preformed surgery on me in April and found the right medication for my endometriosis. A million thank you's to EVERYONE at the clinic, from the people answering the phones, all the way to the nurses and Doctors Ashford, may God bless you all.– M.A. - Patient
- Dr. Ashford was very comprehensive in his treatment plan options, and came up with a plan tailored to my needs. It's a great practice, and I feel like I'm getting access to a team with excellent knowledge.– J.C. - Patient
- I recently had surgery performed by Dr Ashford to correct some prolapse issues. I was extremely impressed with his level of competence and caring throughout the process. I totally trusted him,the surgery was a total success at this point with followup appointments scheduled to make sure I have healed correctly.
He is an exceptional surgeon who cares personally about each of his patients. I definitely recommend Dr Ashford to any women with pelvic issues.– Marilyn - Patient - I recently had surgery performed by Dr Ashford to correct some prolapse issues. I was extremely impressed with his level of competence and caring throughout the process. I totally trusted him,the surgery was a total success at this point with followup appointments scheduled to make sure I have healed correctly.
He is an exceptional surgeon who cares personally about each of his patients. I definitely recommend Dr Ashford to any women with pelvic issues.– Marilyn - Patient - Dr. Ashford is the best! Being a doctor that is both a gynecologist and an urologist he has been able to help me solve all of my issues, not just some of them. Even when I was questioning what was going on, he has remained calm and has always had a plan. He also has explained everything in a way that I could understand.– Anon - Patient - RateMDs.com
- Dr. Ashford is the best! Being a doctor that is both a gynecologist and an urologist he has been able to help me solve all of my issues, not just some of them. Even when I was questioning what was going on, he has remained calm and has always had a plan. He also has explained everything in a way that I could understand.– Anon - Patient - RateMDs.com
- I am so lucky to have found this clinic. I wanted a gynecologist that was knowledgeable in bioidentical hormone treatments, almost impossible to find in the twin cities. With Dr. Ashford, I discovered Sottopelle, and it changed my life. I sing the praises of this therapy to every woman I know! He left no question unanswered for me. Sottopelle brought me into the clinic, but now I come here for all of my healthcare needs. Thank you so very much.– C.M. - Patient
- I went months thinking that I had chronic bladder or vaginal infections. I took tons of antibiotics. Dr. Ashford told me that it was not an infection, but possibly a pelvic floor problem. WOW, I never would have guessed, and took the extra time to teach me about my issue. Pain free now, and I have worked with so many providers at the clinic besides Dr. Ashford. So many kind and professional people here to help.
Again, thank you so much.– C.M. - Patient - I went months thinking that I had chronic bladder or vaginal infections. I took tons of antibiotics. Dr. Ashford told me that it was not an infection, but possibly a pelvic floor problem. WOW, I never would have guessed, and took the extra time to teach me about my issue. Pain free now, and I have worked with so many providers at the clinic besides Dr. Ashford. So many kind and professional people here to help.
Again, thank you so much.– C.M. - Patient - I have been seen quite a bit by both Dr Ashford (during my pregnancy with twins and with other women's health issues) and Andrea Brockberg (for all of my yearly appointments) and love both of them!– Naomi - Minnesota
- Dr. Ashford makes sure to give multiple perspectives on any issue and is pro individual. He and the staff are of the highest quality and would strongly recommend the facility to any expecting couple.– A.L. - Minnesota
- From February 2013 to November 2013, I worked with Dr. Ashford's staff with use of the In-Tone device to strengthen my pelvic floor muscles. It was a very good experience, and I still use the device. This is a great alternative to try for bladder leakage.– P.R. - Minnesota
- Minnesota Women's Care offers very extensive care for every woman and their needs. The facility is always clean. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I myself go weekly for Urostym treatment for my Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. This treatment has been very beneficial for me. Dr. Ashford is so knowledgeable about every aspect of a women's body. I would HIGHLY recommend him to every woman.– E.B. - Minnesota
- I have had incredible results working with Dr. Ashford and his staff. Before meeting with him I had been dealing with severe pelvic pain for over two years. Most doctors, even specialists, did not know how to reduce my pain level. I had tried many therapies and nothing had worked until I met Dr. Ashford. After a few months working with him and his therapy and medication treatment I have seen a dramatic improvement with my symptoms. These people really know what they are doing and are patient and compassionate enough to take the time to listen and explore the many options that can help you. I highly recommend you give Minnesota Women's Care a chance to help you feel your best!– R.S. - Saint Paul