What is Urogynecology?
Urogynecology is the area of women’s health focused on issues of the bladder, pelvic muscles, and rectum. Problems of bladder control, bowel movements, and prolapse affect many women and for many different reasons. These include pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome, and overactive bladder. Prolapse and incontinence can be both bothersome and embarrassing. It’s important to talk to your gynecologist about any symptoms that disrupt your daily life.
Why is Pelvic Health Important?
Various factors can impact your risk of prolapse or incontinence. Increasing age and number of vaginal deliveries can increase this risk. Genetics, as well as certain medical problems, also play a crucial role in how likely you are to develop prolapse, incontinence, or bowel issues. Certain changes to health habits, like smoking cessation and weight loss, can decrease this risk.
How Can My Gynecologist Help?
At the first visit, we will get a complete history and perform a focused physical examination. We will want to know several things about your fluid intake and bathroom habits. These include how many caffeinated beverages and how much water you drink a day. It will be important for us to know when and how often you use the bathroom. Tracking this information can help us give you tools to control your episodes. Besides limiting your caffeine and water intake, your gynecologist may have other suggestions. Kegel exercises, physical therapy, and scheduled bathroom breaks can help with bladder control. Additionally, certain medications can help with bowel issues.
Finally, your symptoms may require more than conservative management. To help improve your quality of life, we can refer you to a urogynecologist. They can discuss with you other treatment options, including medical and surgical.
Learn More on the Healthful Woman Podcast
Schedule an Appointment
The best way to get started on treating your symptoms and making sure you’re comfortable in your body is through an appointment with our expert team. To schedule an appointment, contact our New York City office by calling or filling out our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Urogynecologist treat kidney stones?
Urogynecologists do not treat kidney stones. Patients with kidney stones should instead seek treatment from a urologist.
Can you be a gynecologist without being an obstetrician?
There are women's health care providers that trained in internal medicine; they do not operate or perform outpatient procedures such as hysteroscopy or manual vacuum aspiration; all gynecologists have trained as obstetricians, but many no longer deliver or see pregnant patients.
What types of procedures do urologists perform?
Urologists are specialized medical doctors who manage and treat conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. They perform a variety of procedures to diagnose and treat various urological issues. Common procedures include cystoscopy, which involves the inspection of the bladder and urethra using a thin camera; prostate biopsy to test for prostate cancer; and lithotripsy, which is used to break up kidney stones. Urologists also perform surgeries such as vasectomies, to provide long-term contraception, and prostatectomies, to remove part or all of the prostate gland. Additionally, they manage conditions like urinary incontinence, infections, and cancers of the urinary tract or male reproductive system. These interventions can range from minimally invasive techniques to more extensive surgical procedures, ensuring comprehensive care for patients with urological conditions.
How do you fix a prolapsed bladder?
There are many different treatment options for bladder prolapse, depending on your needs. One of the most invasive but effective options is surgery.