What is Urogynecology?

At Overlake Clinics – Pelvic Health, we provide innovative pelvic medicine in a specialized field of medicine called urogynecology, which combines aspects of urology and gynecology. Our compassionate team of specially trained providers take a holistic, personalized approach to restoring important pelvic function – with the goal of improving the quality of your day-to-day life.

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What is a Urogynecologist?

Urogynecologists are doctors who specialize in treating pelvic floor disorders. Your pelvic floor is made up of muscles, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves that help support and control the function of your rectum, uterus, vagina and bladder.

Just like other groups of muscles, ligaments, tissues and nerves, anyone can experience weakness, tightness or damage to their pelvic floor. These symptoms may be caused by:

• Childbirth.
• Repeated heavy lifting.
• Certain chronic conditions. 
• Past surgeries.
• Smoking

Symptoms of pelvic floor problems or disorders treated by urogynecologists include:

• Incontinence: Loss of the control of your bladder or bowels or leaking of urine, stool or gas. 
• Prolapse: Descent of your uterus, bladder, vagina, or rectum or a bulge and/or pressure from the uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum.
• Emptying disorders: Difficulty urinating or moving bowels.
• Pelvic or bladder pain: Discomfort, burning or pain associated with urination or sexual activity. 
• Overactive bladder: Frequent, sudden, strong urges to pee or not being able to hold a full bladder.

What’s the Difference Between a Gynecologist and a Urogynecologist?

The main difference is that gynecologists focus broadly on reproductive health and urogynecologists focus specifically on problems that affect the pelvic floor and urinary system.

• A gynecologist provides care and surgeries related to menstrual issues, contraception, fertility, pregnancy and menopause. 
• A urogynecologist provides care and surgeries for pelvic floor disorders, including urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.  

What's the Difference Between a Urologist and a Urogynecologist?

The main difference is that urologists focus generally on issues of the urinary tract in both men and women and urogynecologists focus specifically on pelvic floor and urinary issues in people assigned female at birth.

• A urologist provides care for conditions affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. They also address prostate problems and erectile dysfunction. 
• A urogynecologist provides care for pelvic floor conditions that affect the urinary tract including urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, urethral masses and pelvic organ prolapse.

What Kind of Training Does a Urogynecologist Have?

Urogynecology is considered a subspecialty of medicine because of its specific focus and training.

After completing medical school:

• Urogynecologists do a full 4-year residency in obstetrics or a full 5- to 6-year residency in urology.
• They may also complete an additional 2 or 3 years of training, as part of a fellowship in pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.  

When Should You See a Urogynecologist? 

Your gynecologist may refer you to a urogynecologist for:

• Urinary incontinence.
• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
• Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels.
• Pelvic pain.
• Urethral masses.
• Sexual problems, including pain with sex. 
• Problems related to prior pelvic surgeries.
• An obstetrical or surgical fistula (an abnormal connection between two body parts)
• Surgery involving your uterus, vagina, bladder or labia, vulva and perineum.

What Treatment Options are Available from a Urogynecologist?

Urogynecologists can recommend a variety of therapies to cure or relieve your symptoms of prolapse, urinary or fecal incontinence, or other pelvic floor problems. Your urogynecologist may advise non-surgical or surgical treatment depending on your wishes, the severity of your condition and your general health.

Treatment options from a urogynecologist include:

• Pelvic exercises and pelvic health physical therapy.
• Changes to your routine or diet.
• Vaginal support devices.
• Biofeedback, electric stimulation, or neuromodulation. 
• Safe and effective surgical procedures.

Our Urogynecology and Pelvic Health Program provides innovative, holistic pelvic care at any stage of life. Our specially trained urogynecologists have years of experience making conversations about uncomfortable issues a lot more comfortable. Our ultimate goal? Restoring important pelvic function – and helping you feel better about your life and your body. To make an appointment or for answers to any questions you may have, call us today at (425) 247-1985.