What is urogynecology?
Urogynecologists are experts in evaluating, diagnosing and treating conditions that affect connective tissue and muscles that support female pelvic organs. They receive special training in treating conditions like incontinence (both urinary and fecal), prolapsed organs in the urinary and reproductive systems, bladder and pelvic pain, fistulas and more.
Most urogynecologists have completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, then received additional training in treating and managing pelvic health conditions.
What does a urogynecologist do?
Most urogynecologists offer both non-surgical and surgical treatment options to women who are experiencing symptoms related to benign (non-cancerous) pelvic floor conditions. The pelvic floor is the connective tissue, muscles, ligaments and nerves that support and help control the function of the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. When the pelvic floor is weak or not functioning properly, women may experience urinary and fecal incontinence, difficulty fully emptying the bladder or bowels, and pelvic organ prolapse. Prolapse is the word for pelvic organs falling down or bulging.
Urogynecologists are specially trained in pelvic floor disorders and how to best evaluate and treat them.
What conditions does a urogynecologist treat?
Some of the more common conditions urogynecologists treat are:
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Urge incontinence/overactive bladder
- Fecal incontinence
- Neurogenic bladder
- Pelvic floor disorders
- Pelvic organ prolapse – the bulging or dropping of the bladder, uterus, or rectum into the vagina
Urogynecologists at Beaumont will work with you to diagnose the root of your health issues and to find the most effective treatment options. Testing may include:
- Urodynamics – These are tests to help measure pressure in bladder and urethra that helps determine how effective your bladder is at both holding and emptying urine.
- Cytoscopy – This is a test to look inside your bladder using a thin, flexible scope.
- Ultrasound – Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive test to take images of your pelvic organs and pelvic floor.
- Anal manometry – This helps determine pressure in the rectum and anal canal by using a tiny, flexible tube.
- Nerve conduction studies
- Electrmyography
What types of treatments do urogynecologists offer?
Urogynecologists at Beaumont offer a wide range of treatments to address problems with pelvic floor function. Treatments vary depending on the type and severity of condition, the severity of the symptoms and how they are affecting quality of life, age and overall health, among other things. Your doctor will work closely with you to ensure you receive the most effective treatment for you. When you come to Beaumont, you can expect us to respect your privacy, protect your dignity, and make your experience as comfortable as possible – both physically and emotionally.
We offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments, ranging from exercises, physical therapy, and biofeedback to medication to Botox injections to colporrhaphy.
Non-surgical treatment options
Many pelvic floor conditions can be addressed without surgery. Some of the non-surgical treatments we offer are:
- Kegal exercises
- Biofeedback
- Behavior modification
- Mediation
- Pessary devices
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
Surgical treatment options
We offer surgical treatments, including minimally invasive procedures that help reduce scarring, pain, and recovery times, and improve outcomes.
Some of the surgeries we perform are:
- Tension-free vaginal tape surgery (TVT)
- Fascial slings
- Interstim device insertion
- Botox injection in the bladder
- Sacrocolpopexy (laparoscopic and traditional)
- Colporrhaphy (anterior and posterior)
- Uterosacral ligament suspension
- Rectocele and enterocele repair
- Hysterectomy
- Rectovaginal fistula correction
- Vesicovaginal fistula repair
- Sphincteroplasty
- When should you see a urogynecologist?
Some conditions related to the female reproductive and urinary tract systems can be treated by a primary care doctor or a gynecologist. However, some conditions are better treated by a doctor who specializes in urogynecology, or the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic floor.
If you are experiencing any of the following, talk to your gynecologist or primary care doctor about getting a referral to a urogynecologist.
- Leaking urine when you sneeze, cough or laugh
- A bulge in the pelvic area
- Leaking stool
- Difficulty holding urine
We understand you may be uncomfortable talking about these issues. Beaumont urogynecologists are well trained in helping make your visit as comfortable as possible. When you come to Beaumont, you can expect the utmost respect and confidentiality.
Contact us today
If you have questions about which Beaumont specialist would be best to help with your treatment, please contact us at 800-633-7377, to schedule an appointment.