Urogynecology

Urogynecology is a medical specialty that combines gynecology and aspects of urology to address dysfunctions of the pelvic floor, which can affect the bladder, reproductive organs and bowel.

We strive to improve the quality of life for women suffering from these disorders by using minimally invasive techniques, when possible.

Our board-certified urogynecology team can diagnose and treat pelvic floor disorders, including:

• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Urinary incontinence
• Voiding dysfunction
• Accidental bowel leakage

A referral from your provider is required.

Symptoms of urogynecological issues

• A bulge or something visibly coming out of the vagina.
• Heaviness, fullness, pulling or aching in the vagina that is worse at the end of the day or during a bowel movement.
• Having a hard time going to the bathroom or emptying your bladder completely.
• Leaking when you cough, laugh or exercise.
• Feeling an urgent or frequent need to urinate.
• Having frequent urinary tract infections.

Addressing symptoms and regaining the quality of life you deserve may involve several treatment options:

• Referrals for physical therapy to strengthen, relax or better coordinate the muscles of the pelvic floor.
• Recommendations for lifestyle or dietary modifications to reduce the causes of urinary incontinence.
• A vaginal pessary, which is a plastic device inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs and relieve the symptoms of incontinence.
• Medication to treat urinary urgency incontinence, chronic constipation or diarrhea.
• Office procedures to treat overactive bladder, urgency incontinence and stress incontinence.
• Minimally invasive surgery to support the organs that have dropped.

There are several of treatments and potential cures for this issue. Our team will work with you to find the best options for you and your symptoms.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

A condition that occurs when muscles and ligaments supporting the pelvic organs weaken, allowing the pelvic organs to slip from their normal position, creating a bulge in the vagina. Severe prolapse can cause the uterus to slip partially into the vagina and may cause the upper part of the vagina to sag into the vaginal canal or even outside of the vagina.

Some women with prolapse experience symptoms such as the feeling of sitting on a ball, pulling in the pelvis, pelvic or abdominal pain, painful intercourse, protrusion of tissue from the vagina, bladder infections or frequent urination. Prolapse is common and can be caused by pregnancy and childbirth, aging, obesity, chronic cough, chronic constipation or heavy lifting. Typically, pelvic prolapse worsens over time, but can be corrected by various surgical or non-surgical options.

Urinary Incontinence

Involuntary leakage of urine due to loss or weakened voluntary control of the urinary sphincter is referred to as urinary incontinence. Approximately 13 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence, which occurs more often in women than men. The main symptom is the involuntary release/leakage of urine. When and how this occurs depends on the type of urinary incontinence. The two most common types are stress incontinence and urge incontinence, and can be caused by:

• Pregnancy or childbirth
• Menopause - when estrogen levels drop, the muscles may get weaker
• Hysterectomy or other surgical procedures
• Age
• Obesity
• Intercourse

Stress Incontinence - Refers to the leakage that happens when physical pressure is placed on your bladder. Such causes include sudden coughing, sneezing, laughing, heavy lifting or exercise.

Urge Incontinence - Refers to the leakage that happens when physical pressure is placed on your bladder. Such causes include sudden coughing, sneezing, laughing, heavy lifting or exercise.

Overactive Bladder - Refers to the leakage that happens when physical pressure is placed on your bladder. Such causes include sudden coughing, sneezing, laughing, heavy lifting or exercise.