Urogynecology
Urogynecology is also known as pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. It is a subspecialty of gynecology and urology. Our doctors specialize in the care of women with pelvic floor disorders.
Common conditions treated
Pelvic organ prolapse
This is weakening in the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues. The main risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse is having had children. Other causes of pelvic support problems include the following:
- Multiple children
- Advancing age
- Factors that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as obesity, constipation, and chronic coughing
- Genetic factors
Incontinence or urinary leakage
Though common, urinary incontinence should not be accepted as a normal result of aging. The choice to seek treatment is usually based on how bothersome the leakage is and how it affects your quality of life. There are lifestyle changes that can be used to help manage urine leakage. If any of these apply to you, you may want to consider making one or more of these changes.
- Lose weight
- Avoid constipation
- Perform pelvic floor muscle exercises (commonly known as Kegel exercises)
- Drink less fluids and limit intake of caffeine
- Seek treatment for chronic coughing
- Stop smoking
Symptoms
- Incontinence (urinary or bowel)
- Prolapse (descent of pelvic organs, causing a bulge and/or pressure in the vagina)
- Emptying disorders (difficulty urinating or moving bowels)
- Pelvic or bladder pain (discomfort, burning or other uncomfortable pelvic symptoms, including bladder or urethral pain)
- Overactive bladder (urine frequency and urgency, or frequent nighttime frequency)
Treatment options
Your urogynecologist may advise nonsurgical or surgical therapy, depending on your wishes, the severity of your condition and your general health. We often recommend our patients have follow-up consultations and evaluations with a pelvic floor physical therapist.