Urogynecology: Game Changer for Women’s Health

As a fellow woman, I understand what can show up in terms of bladder, bowel and sexual symptoms. And I know that these symptoms can create stress and problems that get in the way of living a full and healthy life. So, as long as urogynecology is confusing, the affected people are women who are unclear about who to see and where to go for their pelvic health care. So, let’s turn those lights on and discuss WHAT a urogynecologist does and HOW they can be a game changer for you! For the rest of the blog, I will refer to the specialty as “urogyn” since that is how health providers typically shorten the name.

What is urogynecology?

The short answer about what a urogyn does, is that we see mostly everything between the belly button and the thigh crease. While a primary doctor, ob-gyn or urologist has knowledge about pelvic health, a urogyn has additional expertise to evaluate and treat conditions that affect pelvic organs and muscles as well as supportive tissues that help the bowel, bladder and vagina to stay in place AND function normally. For example, we diagnose and treat pelvic prolapse—sometimes called vaginal prolapse–which results from wear and tear on a woman’s body like childbirth, aging and genetic predisposition. When the vagina shifts because of prolapse, which is a physical vaginal bulge, women can experience pain or sexual issues. Urogyns also evaluate and treat other common conditions like overactive bladder and urinary incontinence (bladder leakage) as well as bowel problems like anal incontinence which can start when women are young. This is because, in our country, injury during childbirth is the most common reason for anal leakage of stool, and that is why younger women may suffer from this problem. These pelvic floor disorders are democratic and have the potential to affect people at any age. A comprehensive guide can be found here.

Urogynecology problems are treatable

As I have mentioned, these conditions are all treatable, and it’s important to address them because they often worsen with time. The adage about fine wines and getting better with age, applies best when there is self-care and attention to your pelvic health issues. I feel like there is a lot of emphasis on blood pressure and longevity health, which is awesome. But possibly because of stigma, pelvic health is sometimes missing from the popular conversations. But it is important, along with other aspects of wellness, to have a healthy bladder along with everything else when you’re 80! Humans are living longer now and aging science is a growing field. But the point of living longer isn’t just about a number—it’s about living more years as a healthy and functional person. This is the quality-of-life aspect which can decline dramatically in people with bowel, bladder or sexual concerns.

Get urogynecology help for pelvic floor problems early

Because of our increasing desire to age better and live longer, it is never too early in life or too late to address your pelvic floor health. No symptom is too small or unworthy. In fact, seeking care early when symptoms are minimal is better. I have provided consultation services for very young women and teenagers, as well as women that are centenarians! It makes me happy when I see someone who is 25 years old who comes to see me before she gets pregnant to address her pelvic health needs. Some of my clients see me to address their pelvic health needs prior to pregnancy as part of their family planning. This is incredible, and it should be the norm to unapologetically seek urogyn care early and for society to welcome discussions about pelvic health for all ages.

Urogynecology doesn’t have to involve surgery!

In my experience, women are sometimes nervous to see a urogyn doctor. They have shared with me over the years that they are worried about pressure to undergo surgery. I think this is because urogyn doctors are indeed surgeons.  And when a person does their online research, there is sometimes a heavy focus on surgery which can be scary. It can also make urogyn seem like a specialty that is only for people with extreme problems who need surgery or who are elderly. However, that is not true and if we are acting ethically, there is just as much or more opportunity for holistic treatments that involve lifestyle changes, physical therapy for pelvic muscles, low dose medications or minor office procedures. I have provided consultations for many women where, at the end of it, NO medication was needed! These are good days at the office.

A urogynecologist works with other specialties

For a urogyn, being able to collaborate with other specialties like physical therapy is important. I’m a surgeon and I will say that surgery isn’t a magic solution for everything. In fact, I’ll go “on record” and say that a urogynecology consult with detailed intake and exam, education, minimally invasive treatments and a good pelvic rehab program are probably more important for most women. This is why I focus on a detailed consultation with lifestyle and conservative measures first—this helps me to understand a person’s foundation. Just like any professional, it’s important to understand a person’s baseline and their treatment goals to achieve success. Physical therapists are the practitioners we work with the most often. Some other collaborating providers might be general gynecologists, sex therapists, gastroenterologists or dermatologists for vulvar skin problems.

Don’t put up with pelvic health problems like bladder leakage-a urogynecologist can help!