About May Wakamatsu, MD

May Wakamatsu, MD, joined Mass General Hospital in 1990. She trained in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery under the guidance of the late David Nichols, MD. She is board certified in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.

Dr. Wakamatsu evaluates and treat patients with a complex pelvic floor disorders including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, which can include uterine prolapse, vaginal vault prolapse, anterior vaginal wall prolapse (cystocele) and posterior vaginal wall prolapse (rectocele). She also sees patients with mesh-related complications (mesh erosion, mesh exposure), urogenital fistula and other pelvic floor issues.

She is a member of the Mass General Pelvic Floor Disorders Service, a multidisciplinary group comprised of pelvic reconstructive surgeons, colorectal surgeons, urologists, gastroenterologists and physical therapists. The service provides surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, including minimally-invasive surgeries such as vaginal, laparoscopic and/or robotic assisted surgeries. She holds regular conferences to discuss patients with complex and combined pelvic floor disorders.

Dr. Wakamatsu sees patients at Mass General Hospital Boston, Yawkey Center, suite 4E, Mass General Waltham and Mass General Danvers.

Please note: Dr. Wakamatsu will not be accepting any new patients as of February 2024.

Clinical Interests:

Treats:

Locations

Boston: Massachusetts General Hospital

Mass General Gynecology: Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at Mass General Waltham
52 Second Ave.
Suite 570
Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: 857-238-8496

View location, directions and parking information for Mass General

Waltham: Mass General Waltham

Mass General Gynecology: Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
55 Fruit St.
Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care
Suite 4
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 857-238-8496

Medical Education

  • Residency, UC San Diego Medical Center

American Board Certifications

  • Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Accepted Insurance Plans

Note: This provider may accept more insurance plans than shown; please call the practice to find out if your plan is accepted.


Research

My research interests are in trying to determine ways of preventing pelvic organ prolapse and bladder control problems and in determining the most effective and durable surgical procedures for these conditions.

Alperin M, Abrahams-Gessel S, Wakamatsu MM. Development of de novo urge incontinence in women post sling: the role of preoperative urodynamics in assessing the risk. Neurourol Urodyn 2008;27(5):407-11.

Wakamatsu MM. An unspeakable affliction. Newsweek. 2004 May 10;143(19):74,77.

Wakamatsu MM. What affects bladder function more: menopause or age? Menopause. 2003 May-Jun;10(3);191-2.

Zarins B. Moncure A, Wakamatsu MM. Management of severe lower abdominal or inguinal pain in high-performance athletes. Am J Sports Med 2000 Jul-Aug;28(4):616-7.

Veronikis DK, Nichols DH, Wakamatsu MM. The incidence of low-pressure urethra as a function of prolapse-reducing technique in patients with massive pelvic organ prolapse (maximum descent at all vaginal sites). Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997 Dec;177(6):1305-13.

Publications

  • Selected publications include:

    Alperin M, Abrahams-Gessel S, Wakamatsu MM. Development of de novo urge incontinence in women post sling: the role of preoperative urodynamics in assessing the risk. Neurourol Urodyn 2008;27(5):407-11.

    Wakamatsu MM. What affects bladder function more: menopause or age? Menopause. 2003 May-Jun;10(3);191-2. 

    Veronikis DK, Nichols DH, Wakamatsu MM. The incidence of low-pressure urethra as a function of prolapse-reducing technique in patients with massive pelvic organ prolapse (maximum descent at all vaginal sites). Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997 Dec;177(6):1305-13.

    Pulliam SJ, Weinstein MM, Wakamatsu MM. Minimally invasive apical sacropexy: a retrospective review of laparoscopic and robotic operating room experiences. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2012 Mar-Apr;18(2):122-6.

    Lau T, Weinstein M, Wakamatsu M, Macklin EA, Pulliam S. Low back pain does not improve with surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Int Urogynecol J. 2013 Jan;24(1):147-53.

    Hicks CW, Weinstein MM, Wakamatsu M, Savitt L, Pulliam S, Bordeianou L.  In patients with rectoceles and obstructed defecation syndrome, surgery should be the option of last resort. Surgery. 2014 Apr; 155(4):659-67.

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