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.
