Dr. Giugale is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Urogynecology and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She is the Director of The Postpartum Pelvic Floor Healing Clinic at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, where she cares for patients with obstetric anal sphincter injuries and other peripartum pelvic floor concerns. She is also certified in ultrasonographic assessment of the pelvic floor including the levator ani pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincter muscles.
Additionally, Dr. Giugale serves as the Well-Being Director for the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, in which she works with individuals, divisions, and leaders within the Department to identify and implement tangible changes to improve the well-being of providers.
In addition to her research and clinical efforts, Dr. Giugale is devoted to surgical education in the operating room and has been recognized in the past for her excellence in procedural teaching. She enjoys and prioritizes teaching vaginal and minimally invasive surgery procedures. Dr. Giugale also serves as a mentor for medical students, residents and fellows.
Education & Training
- Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, UPMC Medical Education, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Internship and Residency, UPMC Medical Education, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC
- MD, University of Virginia School of Medicine
Representative Publications
Mumford BS, Lemon L, Harris J, Giugale LE. Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Versus First Vaginal Delivery. Urogynecology (Phila). 2025 Jan 21. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001647. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39835573.
Meckes NA, Toal CT, Wang L, Giugale LE. Risk Factors for Wound Complications After Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury. Urogynecology (Phila). 2024 Dec 31. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001642. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39744876.
Giugale LE, Ruppert KM, Muluk SL, Glass Clark SM, Bradley MS, Wu JM, Matthews CA. Minimally Invasive Total Versus Supracervical Hysterectomy With Sacrocolpopexy. Urogynecology (Phila). 2024 Oct 1;30(10):814-820. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001530. Epub 2024 May 18. PMID: 39752611.
Toal C, Goodman N, Durst R, Giugale L. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Attendance Among High-Risk Postpartum Patients. Urogynecology (Phila). 2024 Mar 1;30(3):363-368. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001492. Epub 2024 Mar 7. PMID: 38484254.
Giugale LE, Melnyk AI, Ruppert KM, Napoe GS, Lavelle ES, Bradley MS. Total Vaginal Hysterectomy With Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Compared With Supracervical Hysterectomy With Sacrocervicopexy for Uterovaginal Prolapse. Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Sep 1;138(3):435-442. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004484. PMID: 34352830; PMCID: PMC8376791.
Clinical/Research Interest Summary
Clinical Interests/Research Interests
Maternal pelvic floor health surrounding pregnancy and childbirth
Surgical outcomes research for pelvic floor disorders
Pelvic floor ultrasound, specifically in the diagnosis and management of pelvic floor disorders
Research Grants
Prior grant support:
Magee-Womens Research Institute Clinical Trainee Research Award
Pudendal Nerve Block and Transobturator Levator Ani Muscle Injection prior to Vaginal Reconstructive Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Role: Principal Investigator
Magee-Womens Medical Staff Grant Award
An Educational and Resource Campaign to Improve Care of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries
Role: Principal Investigator