What’s a Urogynecologist and How Can One Help Me?

What is a urogynecologist? Are you curious about how exactly they can assist you? In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of urogynecology, shedding light on the vital role these specialized physicians play in women’s health. 

What is a Urogynecologist?

A physician who specializes in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. These include but are not limited to urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and vaginismus. They also focus on conditions that affect the lower urinary tract, such as recurrent bladder infections, Overactive Bladder Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, and urinary fistulas.

Board-certified urogynecologists are physicians who have completed their medical training in either urology or gynecology. This is typically followed by a fellowship (additional training) in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS).

How Can a Urogynecologist Help Me?

Do you pee your pants when you sneeze or laugh? This could be a possible sign of stress urinary incontinence. Are you concerned that your bladder is falling? This could be a prolapsed bladder.  

Or maybe you’re experiencing more common symptoms, like recurrent bladder infections or frequent urination? A urogynecologist is the key to helping you get to the bottom of what’s going on “down there.”

Urogynecologists provide medical management for many conditions. They can also be surgeons, performing office-based procedures and operations that can help treat these conditions.

When Should You See a Urogynecologist?

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms and nothing seems to be working. Let’s take a look at a few you should pay attention to.  

Urinary/Fecal Incontinence

• Urinary Incontinence: The involuntary loss of urine
• Anal Incontinence: The involuntary loss of gas or stool
• Both types of incontinence can result from vaginal childbirth, major pelvic surgery, some neurological conditions, and even radiation treatment to the pelvis

Prolapse

• Occurs when one of the pelvic organs “falls” out of position
• Feel/see a bulge coming out of the vagina/rectum
• Can be thought of as a type of hernia that pushes your organs into the vagina/rectum
• Different types of prolapse include the following
  • Cystocele (bladder)
  • Rectocele (rectum)
  • Uterine (uterus)
• Similar to incontinence, prolapse commonly occurs after vaginal birth or years after delivery

Bladder symptoms

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common
• Recurrent UTIs: Three or more test-proven UTIs a year 
• Frequent urination can be indicative of a bladder infection, but this isn’t always the case. You could be going to the bathroom a lot and/or feeling discomfort/pressure in your bladder, but your tests don’t confirm an infection
• Conditions like Overactive Bladder Syndrome or Interstitial Cystitis (also referred to as Bladder Pain Syndrome), often mimic UTIs. Have a listen here to learn more about this complex bladder condition

Pelvic Pain

• Pain management for the bladder and pelvic floor muscles
• Painful sexual intercourse

How Do I find a Urogynecologist?

• Asking your healthcare provider for a referral
• Directories
• Performing a Google search for urogynecologists in your area
• Word-of-mouth

It’s time to see a urogynecologist if you’ve had an AHA moment while reading this blog or realize treatment by your primary care provider or gynecologist hasn’t resolved your issue.

Urogynecologists are your go-to experts for all things related to pelvic health and well-being. Remember, your comfort and confidence in discussing intimate health concerns matter most, and urogynecologists are professionals dedicated to providing compassionate care.

Learn more here about how urogynecologists can help in this insightful interview with Dr. Jennifer Anger, Dr. Karyn Eilber and Dr. Victoria Scott.