A urogynecologist will treat any issue related to the female urinary tract. They will diagnose the problem, decide the right course of treatment, and carry out the same instead of referring the woman to various health departments.
Generally, a urogynecologist will handle the following issues:
Urinary Incontinence – A problem related to the ability to control urine. It can affect women of all ages, especially new mothers or older women. Women with this issue find it hard to control their urine. They may leak urine when they cough, sneeze, or even due to unexpected jerks. They may want to urinate very frequently, and may not have the ability to control their urine like other healthy women. In rare cases, some women may produce more urine than what their bladders can empty, thus leading to frequent leaks and visits to the toilet.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse – When the tissues and muscles holding up the pelvic floor organs become weak and cannot support the organs, the organs will drop from their position. This is known as a pelvic organ prolapse. A urogynecologist may advise therapy, treatment, or surgery to correct this prolapse.
Bladder Problems – Issues such as bladder leakage, pain in the bladder, and changes in urine smell, color, or quantity of output are all bladder problems. A urogynecologist can treat these issues using medications or therapies.
What Procedures Does a Urogynecologist Perform?
Some of the non-surgical procedures a urogynecologist performs are:
Administer injections or prescribe medications to treat urinary incontinence
Offer therapy and exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
Stimulate the nervous system to treat bladder-related issues
Cystoscopy to get a better view of the bladder from the inside
Urodynamic testing to test the bladder functioning
Endoscopic surgery using thin instruments called endoscopes
What are the Most Common Urogynecology Surgeries?
Urogynecologists will also perform surgeries to treat issues related to the female pelvic floor and urinary system. Sometimes they may suggest a surgery right away and in some cases, they may try a treatment first and opt for surgery only if necessary.
Robotic-assisted surgeries to fix a prolapse or remove organs
Surgery to restore bladder control
Surgery in the rectum or small intestine
Pelvic reconstruction
Install slings for prolapsed organs
Install a pacemaker for overactive bladder
Uterus removal
Colpocleisis to correct pelvic prolapse in older women or those who are no longer sexually active
A urogynecologist can perform more procedures or surgeries according to the requirement. Each case is unique and treatment suggestions can differ from person to person.
Should I Consult A Urogynecologist?
Sometimes, it can be confusing to decide if you should meet a gynecologist or a urogynecologist. If you have a gynecologist, the best option would be to consult them. They can check the issue and suggest accordingly. If your gynecologist is associated with a state-of-the-art facility, you can consult a urogynecologist within the same facility.
You may need to consult a urogynecologist instead of a gynecologist if you have the following issues:
Pain in the rectum, pelvic, or genital areas
Painful or intense sex
Pressure or spasms in your pelvic area
Urinary issues like urinary incontinence or bladder control
Pelvic organs prolapse or drop
Pain in the back, or lower stomach
Many women may experience these issues soon after childbirth. Pregnancy can trigger such issues or cause nerve damage. Both vaginal and cesarean deliveries can lead to such issues or complications. A urogynecologist can diagnose the issue and treat the same. Sometimes, such issues can be resolved with time but sometimes they need a specialist.
Urogynecology Surgery
When women have issues with their reproductive organs, they consult a gynaecologist. What can one do when they experience problems related to both their reproductive system and urinary tract? They require the expertise of a doctor who has specialised in both fields. While men consult a urologist, women consult a urogynaecologist.
Who Is A Urogynecologist?
A urogynaecologist is a gynaecologist who specialises in disorders related to the female urinary system. They treat problems or conditions involving the female reproductive organs and the urinary tract.
Urogynaecology specialists can help with issues like UTIs, bladder control, pelvic floor disorder, pelvic organ prolapse, etc.
What Is The Role Of A Urogynecologist?
A urogynecologist specialises in diagnosing and treating women's pelvic floor and bladder problems. Treatment can include both procedures as well as surgeries.
When you go to your gynaecologist with a complaint about your uterus, vagina, or other parts of your reproductive system, your gynaecologist will treat you. If you have a problem with your pelvic floor or bladder, they ask you to consult a urogynaecologist.
End Note
A urogynecologist and a gynecologist, both know well about the female reproductive and urinary system. However, each of them specializes in specific areas and handles surgeries or treatments only in areas of their expertise. It is important to consult the right specialist for the perfect solution for your problem.
Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.
