Do you suffer from an overactive bladder (e.g., you use the toilet almost every hour)? Are you losing control of your bladder or peeing when it isn’t necessary? Do you feel pressure in your pelvis?
You don’t have to live with these symptoms. Specialists call these pelvic floor problems. These symptoms and conditions may be treated by a Urogynecologist. They can also help improve your quality of life.
Many women do not experience symptoms of problems with their pelvic floor at first. However, if symptoms start to appear, you shouldn’t be embarrassed to speak to your healthcare provider.
The following symptoms are indicative of pelvic problems:
- A visible bulge or something visible coming out of the genital area
- You feel heaviness, fullness, or pulling in your vagina.
- Have trouble emptying your bladder, or having difficulty peeing.
- If you cough, laugh, and exercise, pee in your mouth.
- Feeling the urgent or constant need to pee
- Constant urinary tract infections
Although these symptoms can be distressing, you don’t need to suffer. To get help, you can visit a urogynecologist.
What Is A Urogynecologist?
Urogynecologists can be considered a specialist in gynecology as well as urology. Urogynecologists receive training in both women’s health (women’s health) as well as urology so they can assist with such conditions.
- Incontinence Bladder Problems
- Stress incontinence
- Urge incontinence
- Other conditions
The pelvic flooring is the system where all of these conditions can impact. The pelvic flooring includes the muscles and ligaments, connective and connective tissues, as well as the nerves that keep your uterus (vagina), bladder, and rectum together.
These symptoms can occur if the pelvic floor is damaged, weak, or not working properly.
What Is The Difference Between A Gynecologist From A Urogynecologist.
Gynecologists address women’s issues such as pregnancy, period issues, and fertility problems. UTIs can be treated by Urologists. They also treat incontinence, cancer, and male infertility.
Urogynecologists are female doctors who focus on the symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, prolapse, and urinary problems.
What Causes Pelvic Floor Disorders?
Multiple life events may lead to pelvic floor disorders in women of all ages. Pelvic floor disorders may occur in women as young as their twenties and thirties, or in women during menopause. Here are some factors that could lead to pelvic floor problems:
- Vaginal birth
- Births of more children
- Constipation chronic
- Chronic coughing
- Heavy lifting and repeated strenuous activity
- Radiation treatment
- Previous pelvic surgery
These symptoms will become more frequent as you get older.
What Treatment Will My Urologist Offer?
Your urogynecologist in Houston may work with your to develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your individual needs. This could be non-surgical or surgical.
The following are non-surgical treatment options that your urogynecologist could recommend to you:
- Kegel exercises are also known to be pelvic floor muscles training exercises.
- Referrals to a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
- Injections for bladder control problems ( bladderBotox).
The vaginal syringe (A plastic device used for certain types of prolapse treatment and/or bladder control. Your doctor will prescribe a pessary for you and provide instructions on how to care for it.
Surgery may be recommended by your surgeon if you are considering having surgery.
- Rebuilding pelvic support
- Repair of any prolapse
- Possible options include the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
- Mesh mid-urethral Sling for Urinary Leakage
- For anal or Sphincter muscles damage repair
Your specialist may also suggest a combination of treatments to treat your symptoms.
Do I Need To Be Referred To See A Urogynecologist
A referral from your primary doctor or ob-gyn is likely if you require a urogynecologist. But a referral does not always have to be made. You can book an appointment at your convenience.
What To Be Aware Of At An Appointment With A Urogynecologist?
Your urogynecologist asks you questions about your symptoms, how they occur, and what impact it has on your quality of life. They will review your medical history as well as past events that may affect your pelvic floors.
Your urogynecologist can also inspect your lower organs, much like a gynecologist. A physical exam is recommended.