Urogynecology a specialized field of gynecology and obstetrics that deals with female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Urogynecologists are doctors who diagnose and treat pelvic floor conditions such as weak bladder or pelvic organ prolapse (your organs drop because the muscles are weak), overactive bladders, reproductive issues, and bladder or rectal incontinence (the loss of control when going to the bathroom). Urogynecologists perform evaluations, diagnose and treat patients.
Your treatment plan will depend on the problems you’re having and their cause. Common treatments are:
Medications
Although not all incontinence issues call for medications, some do. Likewise, other pelvic floor conditions might benefit from treatment with medication.
Injections
For bladder control issues and other incontinence issues, “bulking agents” can be used to help. Urogynecologists can do injection procedures with local anesthesia, outpatient, or in the office.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Exercises called Kegels can help with issues like prolapse. Kegel exercises involve squeezing and relaxing the muscles within the pelvic floor. More severe prolapse symptoms can be improved with these exercises, but they won’t correct them completely.
Nerve Stimulation
Similar to acupuncture, nerve stimulation treatments can help an overactive bladder.
Surgery
The urogynecologist could suggest surgery as well. These include:
- Vaginal wall repair
- Bladder installations
- Uterus removal
- Bladder control surgery