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Do Urogynecologists treat urinary incontinence?
What does a urogynecologist do?
Should I see a urogynecologist?
Can a urogynecologist treat pelvic floor problems?
How do I get referred to a urogynecologist?
Are women more comfortable talking about urogynecology?
- You're experiencing urinary incontinence—especially incontinence that isn't getting better despite treatment. Maybe you've seen your primary care physician or gynecologist and you've made lifestyle changes like cutting down on caffeine, seltzer, and other bladder irritants.
- You're experiencing frequent urinary tract infections. When we say "frequent" urinary tract infections (UTIs), we mean more than two in six months or more than three in a year.
- You have pelvic organ prolapse (POP). When the tissues and muscles supporting the pelvic organs weaken or loosen, the pelvic organs can descend or "prolapse."
- You're experiencing pelvic pain, vaginal dryness, or pain with intercourse—or you simply feel that something is "off" with that part of your body. It can be equally frustrating and frightening when something feels off in your pelvic region.
- Overview
- What exactly is a urogynecologist?
- When should you make an appointment with a urogynecologist?
- What conditions can a urogynecologist diagnose or treat?
- What causes incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders?
- What happens during an urogynecology appointment?
- Other frequently asked questions
- The bottom line
A urogynecologist treats conditions specifically related to the pelvic floor. If you experience leakage after coughing, sneezing, or laughing, it may be time to make an appointment.
A urogynecologist is a medical specialist who has received additional training specific to pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
Mixing the practice of gynecology and urology, a urogynecologist is a doctor that can test, diagnose, and treat conditions related to the pelvic floor.
If coughing, sneezing, or laughing causes you to experience leakage, it may be time to see an expert in pelvic floor care.
Other symptoms of a pelvic floor condition include:
•frequently needing to use the restroom
•frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
•pain during penetrative vaginal or anal sex
•waking up several times throughout the night to use the restroom
A urogynecologist treats conditions specifically related to the pelvic floor.
Your pelvic floor is the foundation that stabilizes your internal organs. The connective tissue, muscles, and ligaments of your pelvic floor keep your bladder, bowel, vagina, and uterus cozy inside of your body.
A specialist can treat pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic floor prolapse, and fistulas.
Urogynecologists also offer prenatal care and reproductive counseling.
Childbirth
Pregnancy and childbirth are actively being studied in connection with pelvic floor conditions, but the data is still uncertain. Some research shows that first-time birthing parents who deliver through cesarean sections (C-sections) are at a lower risk of experiencing pelvic disorders than those who deliver vaginally. In some studies, the risk increased with the number of children delivered, while other studies showed a link between the use of forceps or a vacuum device during delivery and the increased risk of pelvic floor disorders. The link between pregnancy and pelvic floor disorders remains unclear since pelvic conditions can affect people who have never been pregnant or delivered a baby.
Aging
Your pelvic floor muscles are like the other muscles in your body and can weaken over time. Menopause and aging could cause pelvic conditions to worsen.
Pressure on your pelvic floor
Obesity, chronic coughing as a result of smoking or other health conditions, chronic constipation, excessive straining during bowel movements, and heavy lifting can all put pressure on your pelvic floor. This pressure could lead to urinary or fecal accidents and discomfort.
Many factors could play a role in pelvic disorders. The specialist you talk with will need to know key details to build the best treatment plan for your needs.
This includes your:
•age
•weight
•history of pregnancy or childbirth
•history of chronic coughing or constipation
What training does a urogynecologist complete?
A urogynecologist completes medical school and a residency in obstetrics and gynecology or urology to become board certified. Formal fellowships (additional training after residency) are completed with a focus on the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of noncancerous gynecologic conditions.
Is there a difference between a urogynecologist and a gynecologist?
Urogynecology is a fairly new subspecialty of medicine. It didn’t become its own field of study until 2011. Gynecologists treat conditions such as pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and infertility. Urogynecologists are gynecologists or urologists who have completed additional training specific to pelvic disorders.
Can a urogynecologist perform a Pap smear?
Pap smears should take place with a gynecologist or primary care physician. A urogynecologist is an additional resource for chronic pelvic floor disorders. You may receive a pelvic exam during your visit, but Pap smears should be performed and documented by an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN).
A urogynecologist is a physician with additional medical training centered around pelvic floor disorders.
If you’re experiencing chronic pelvic symptoms that affect your mental health or overall quality of life, it’s important to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
They can refer you to a urogynecologist, who can diagnose and treat organ prolapse, incontinence, and other pelvic floor conditions.
Catasha Gordon is a sexuality educator from Spencer, Oklahoma. She’s the owner and founder of Expression Over Repression, a company built around sexual expression and knowledge. You can typically find her creating sex education materials or building some kinky hardware in a fresh set of coffin nails. She enjoys catfish (tail on), gardening, eating off her husband’s plate, and Beyoncé. Follow her everywhere.
Dec 31, 2020 · What to expect during a urogynecology appointment: standardized questionnaires, an ultrasond, urine testing, talking, physical exam, and education.
Urogynecologists see women and focus on symptoms related to urinary incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic floor disorders.
Oct 30, 2023 · Vaginal Bulging: If you notice something coming out of your vagina that shouldn't be there, like a lump or bulge, it's a sign to see a urogynecologist. Vaginal Discomfort: Feelings of fullness or aching in the vagina, especially after a long day or during bowel movements, could indicate a problem that needs attention.
Jul 8, 2023 · Urogynecologists are doctors who specialize in pelvic floor disorders in women. Learn more about the conditions they treat and why you might want to see a urogynecologist.
