When Dr. Andrea Pezzella opened Southern Urogynecology in 2010 with just three staff members, she could never have imagined that 15 years later she would be leading a team of more than 20 and celebrating the opening of a state-of-the-art surgery center.
Her journey began after traveling from New England to observe how a fellow physician integrated a new procedure into his practice. “I realized there was a real need for urogynecology services in this region, and we made the move to South Carolina on a leap of faith,” recalls Dr. Pezzella, a double board-certified Urogynecologist (Obstetrics & Gynecology).
That leap transformed women’s health care in the Midlands. The Center for Incontinence and Female Pelvic Medicine—Southern Urogynecology’s flagship facility—quickly became a trusted destination for women seeking advanced, specialized care. The practice offers both non-invasive and surgical treatments for urinary incontinence, pelvic floor disorders, and other complex conditions that were once difficult to access in the Columbia metropolitan area.
But Dr. Pezzella’s mission extended beyond medical expertise. Southern Urogynecology was founded on a “For Women, By Women” philosophy. “From the moment you walk through the door, every space and interaction is designed with women in mind,” says Dr. Jessica Rueb, a double board-certified Urologist and Urogynecologist who joined the practice in 2023. “We’re always thinking about how to make women feel more comfortable, empowered, and cared for—both our patients and our all-women staff.”
Patients agree. “I cannot say enough about the exceptional care I received from Dr. Rueb and Dr. Pezzella,” one patient shared. “The entire staff was outstanding—kind, attentive, and supportive throughout my experience.”
Unlike many women’s health centers that focus primarily on childbearing years, Southern Urogynecology specializes in serving women entering and beyond menopause. “Fifty is the new 30,” says Dr. Pezzella. “Our patients are active, vibrant, and want to feel their best. Our role is to help them maintain that freedom and confidence.”
The overwhelming demand for specialized women’s care led to rapid expansion. Just seven years after opening, Southern Urogynecology launched its Wellness and Aesthetics Division, offering hormone replacement therapy, sexual wellness treatments, microneedling, and laser procedures.
This blend of medical and aesthetic care wasn’t accidental. Patients had been asking for these services, and Dr. Pezzella recognized her team’s expertise could meet those needs while maintaining the same women-centered approach.
From the beginning, innovation has been at the heart of the practice. Traditional urogynecology often involved invasive surgeries with long recoveries and limited success. Today, thought leaders like Drs. Pezzella and Rueb are shaping the future of the field, advancing minimally invasive techniques that improve outcomes and quality of life.
Their commitment to progress extends beyond patient care. Southern Urogynecology frequently hosts physicians, medical students, and residents who come to learn the latest robotic and reconstructive techniques while also experiencing the clinic’s pioneering model of women-focused care.
This dedication to innovation and patient comfort has earned the team multiple Centers of Excellence certifications and the trust of thousands of women each year. To meet growing demand, Dr. Pezzella and her team are opening SU Surgical Associates, a new stand-alone surgery center set to debut this fall.
Conveniently located next door to the main clinic, the new center is designed to deliver the same women-centered experience in a surgical setting. Patients will benefit from shorter anesthesia times, faster recovery, and a more comfortable environment—without compromising safety or quality of care.
“We often meet women who are just beginning to take care of themselves after years of caring for others,” says Dr. Pezzella. “Our goal is to provide a spectrum of treatments that restore confidence and quality of life. This new surgery center is another way we can continue doing that.”
After 15 years, Southern Urogynecology has not only transformed women’s health care in the Midlands but has also created a model of care that is inspiring providers nationwide. With the launch of SU Surgical Associates, Dr. Pezzella and her team are setting the stage for the next chapter—where innovation, compassion, and women-centered care remain at the heart of everything they do.
