When you’ve got issues with your pelvic floor, you’ll have the option to schedule a visit with one of our friendly urogynecologists. These specialized doctors focus on both gynecology and urology, which means they understand the female reproductive system and how it relates to issues such as incontinence and prolapse. We offer the best treatment options for our patients, so you can get the specialized care that you deserve.
Urogynecology 101
Urogynecology is a super specialized type of gynecology. Doctors first train as obstetricians and gynecologists, then they do further training in urology, or the study of the urinary system. This combination focuses specifically on the issues that women often have when the pelvic floor isn’t functioning correctly.
These problems typically lead to:
- Urinary incontinence: When a person can’t control their bladder easily.
- Fecal incontinence: When a person can’t maintain control of their bowels.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: When the bladder, vagina, uterus, or rectum “falls” from its proper place, which causes it to malfunction and put pressure on other parts of the pelvis.
Symptoms of Pelvic Problems
If you’re wondering if you have any pelvic issues, you might have a symptom or two that you’d like to discuss with your doctor. It’s always a good idea to keep notes on the different problems you’re facing, then bring that list with you to your doctor’s appointment.
Here are a few symptoms to keep an eye out for:
- Frequent and overwhelming urge to urinate, even if you’ve just recently gone
- Difficulty urinating
- Any acute (painful/sharp) or chronic (long-term) pain in your pelvis
- Pain in your lower back
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Feeling the need to have many bowel movements over a short period of time
- Difficulty having a bowel movement
- Sexual intercourse that is painful
How the Urogynecologist Can Help
At your first appointment, the doctor will ask about your personal medical history and your family’s medical history. Then you’ll have a physical exam to see if there are any obvious external signs of what exactly is going on. You might need to have some blood or urine tests done. After a diagnosis is made, your doctor will help you craft a treatment plan that works for your issue and your own preferences.
This treatment plan might include:
- Diet and lifestyle changes
- Working with a physical therapist
- Taking medication
- Using organ supporting devices
- Minimally-invasive surgery
- More complex surgery
Together you’ll find a path of healing, so you can feel great and get back to living an independent and carefree life once again.
