The Benefits Of Seeing A Urogynecologist

If you are a woman who suffers with pelvic floor disorders like incontinence or an overactive bladder, the benefits of seeing a urogynecologist are compelling. It doesn’t mean giving up a trusted gynecologist you already see, but it is adding another resource or specialist for certain female health issues.

What Is A Urogynecologist?

Whereas a gynecologist is the primary source for a woman’s general health and who specializes in female reproductive health like menstrual and infertility issues and pregnancy, a urogynecologist is more specialized.

A urogynecologist is trained in either urology or gynecology and then continues on to specialize in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery adding seven years of training after medical school. This extra training makes a urogynecologist a specialist in pelvic floor disorders like incontinence, overactive bladder issues, prolapse, fecal leakage, and emptying disorders.

Your regular gynecologist is the best source for your general wellness including labor and delivery, but if you have separate issues like those above, you should visit a urogynecologist specialist like Dr. Costas Apostolis.

Benefits Of Seeing A Urogynecologist

If you have pelvic floor disorders, your best choice of care is a urogynecologist. The pelvic floor is a set of muscles, ligaments, and tissues in the lowest part of the pelvis which support female organs like the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. Problems develop when the muscles become weakened or there are tears in the connective tissues.

Some causes of pelvic floor disorders include the following:

• Strain on pelvis due to childbirth
• Repetitive strenuous activity
• Chronic disease
• Pelvic surgery
• Repetitive heavy lifting
• Tobacco use
• Genetics or family history
• Menopause

Problems From Pelvic Floor Damage

A urogynecologist is trained to treat all problems from pelvic floor damage.

Fistulas

These are abnormal holes between the vagina and rectum, the vagina and urethra, and the vagina and the bladder.

Incontinence

This is loss of bladder or bowel control and leakage of urine or feces.

Prolapse

Prolapse is when pelvic organs drop down from lost support. This can occur with the uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum.

Pain

Most women with pelvic order issues have pain in the lower back, bladder or urethra.

Overactive Bladder

Symptoms include needing to pee frequently, urgency, and bladder pressure.

Emptying Disorder

This is the inability or difficulty urinating or moving bowels.

A urogynecologist can also perform procedures to correct vaginal mesh complications.