Mercy Medical Center Recognized as Axonics Bulkamid Center of Excellence

Mercy Medical Center has been designated an Axonics Bulkamid Center of Excellence by Axonics, Inc. The designation recognizes R. Mark Ellerkmann, M.D., FACOG, Director of The Urogynecology Center at Mercy, and his team's commitment to optimizing patient outcomes and improving their quality of life. The Urogynecology Center, which is a division of The Gynecology Center at Mercy and is part of the renowned Weinberg Center for Women's Health & Medicine at Mercy Medical Center.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (or SUI) which is known to affect 1 in 3 women across the United States, is a condition resulting in the leakage of urine during moments of physical activity such as coughing, sneezing, or exercise. Bulkamid, which is an FDA approved treatment for SUI, is a soft water-based gel delivered via a series of small injections into the urethral wall. Once injected, similar to a facial filler, the volume of the gel "plumps" the urethral tissue and helps augment the natural closing mechanism of the urethra and can prevent the involuntary sudden loss of urine associated with activity. Bulkamid can provide safe, effective and long-lasting relief.

"Bulkamid is a simple procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia and typically takes five to 10 minutes. It is clinically proven to deliver symptomatic relief for many years," Dr. Elerkmann said.

The Axonics Center of Excellence program recognizes highly trained and experienced physicians and clinical practices that are committed to patient education and providing exemplary care to achieve optimal clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Dr. Ellerkmann is among a small group of urogynecologists who are Board Certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. As an extensively trained urogynecologist, he has an in-depth knowledge of the latest diagnostic techniques and best treatment options for urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Dr. Ellerkmann also treats pelvic organ prolapse, interstitial cystitis, recurrent urinary tract infections, fecal incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic floor dysfunction and the special gynecologic needs of aging women.

Axonics is a global medical technology company that is developing and commercializing novel products for adults with bladder and bowel dysfunction. Axonics best-in-class urethral bulking hydrogel, Bulkamid®, provides safe and durable symptom relief to women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). SUI affects an estimated 29 million women in the U.S. alone.