The field of urogynecology is relatively young. It did not exist before 2011. A wide array of medical experts worked on treating these various health issues. Women typically needed to consult a large number of medical professionals for pelvic floor issues.
The American Board of Medical Specialties authorized the certification in 2011, establishing urogynecology as its field of study. This has made it simpler for women to receive the treatment they require without having to see several doctors.
What Is The Role Of A Urogynecologist?
Urogynecologist in Houston deal with pelvic floor and bladder problems. Urogynecologists assess, diagnose, and treat patients.
Your treatment strategy will be determined by the nature of your difficulties and their underlying cause. Common treatments include:
Medications
Although not all incontinence problems need medication, some do. Similarly, numerous pelvic floor problems may benefit from pharmaceutical therapy.
Injections
Bulking agents can be used to aid with bladder control and other incontinence difficulties. Urogynecologists can do injection operations under local anesthetic, either as an outpatient or in the office.
The Vaginal Pessary
Pessaries are medical devices that are put into your vagina to support your organs if you have prolapse difficulties. Pessaries are soft and available in a variety of forms and sizes. During an office visit, your doctor can fit you for one. They are removable for cleaning.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise
Kegel exercises can assist with conditions like prolapse. Kegel exercises include squeezing and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises can help with more severe prolapse symptoms, but they won’t eliminate them.
Surgery
The urogynecologist may also recommend surgery.
- Vaginal wall repair
- Bladder installation
- Uterus removal
- Bladder control surgery
Instruction & Training
Many years of education and hands-on experience are required to become a urogynecologist.
Typically, becoming a urogynecologist entails the following steps:
- obtaining an undergraduate degree
- completing medical school
- participating in a residency program in obstetrics and gynecology or urology
- Obtaining certification in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery
After completing the necessary schooling and training, a urogynecologist might seek employment in hospitals or private clinics. Recertification examinations are required every few years for urogynecologists to keep their certificates current.
What Conditions Are Treated By A Urogynecologist?
Urogynecologists diagnose and treat a wide range of pelvic diseases and illnesses. These issues might arise as a result of birthing trauma, regular heavy lifting, or another physical exercise. Urogynecologists treat the following conditions:
- Incontinence of the bladder and rectum
- Urge incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Interstitial cystitis
- Prolapse of the uterus, bladder, or cervix
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Fistulas
Pelvic floor dysfunction can result in discomfort, bloating, and urine or fecal (poop) leaks. These difficulties might be embarrassing to discuss, but if left unchecked, they can lead to major health problems.
Your primary care doctor or gynecologist can refer you to a urogynecologist. Bring any of these symptoms up at your next appointment with any of them.
What To Expect During A Urogynecologist Visit?
When you make an appointment to see a urogynecologist, the physician will review your medical history and discuss any symptoms you may be having with your pelvic floor or bladder. They are going to be interested in knowing how these symptoms are influencing the way you live your life.
Once they have arrived at a diagnosis, you will be able to work with them to formulate a treatment strategy together.