Urogynecology

Urogynecology is a surgical subspecialty that deals with combined conditions of urology and gynaecology. This speciality mainly focuses on medical issues that can happen to the organs, musculature, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. A doctor who diagnoses and carries out pelvic floor disorder treatment is called a urogynecologist.

Common Conditions Treated by Urogynecologists

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine, usually caused by actions like laughing, sneezing, coughing, or exercising. It can also happen unexpectedly and may be mild or severe. There are a number of forms of urinary incontinence, such as stress incontinence (pressure on the bladder) and urge incontinence (urge to urinate with a sudden strong urge).

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, or rectum) drop out of their natural positions and protrude into the vaginal canal. This is because the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments have weakened. Symptoms may be vaginal bulging, incontinence of urine, constipation, and a sensation of pressure in the pelvis.

Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a syndrome where there is frequent and urgent urination and often incontinence. Women with OAB feel as if they need to urinate frequently, even during the night, and cannot hold their urine, leading to accidents or leakage.

Vaginal Laxity

Vaginal laxity is a condition in which the vaginal wall muscles are weakened, usually due to childbirth, ageing, or hormonal changes. This can cause a feeling of looseness, pelvic instability, and even urinary incontinence or prolapse. Most women with vaginal laxity also report a decrease in sexual satisfaction and confidence.

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain is a recurrent or persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis that may be due to endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, or interstitial cystitis. This pain may disrupt daily activities, sexual intercourse, and quality of life.

Fecal Incontinence

Faecal incontinence refers to a lack of control of bowel movements, resulting in involuntary leakage of faeces. It may be due to injury or weakness of the muscles or nerves of the pelvic floor and can be caused by childbirth, surgery, or trauma.

What Are the Procedures Done By a Urogynecologist?

A urogynecologist carries out different kinds of minimally invasive urogynecology procedures andreconstructive surgeries to treat issues of the pelvic floor and its organs. While most of the surgeries are performed as final treatment resort for the existing issue, a few of these procedures are also performed on preventive aspects as well. A few of the main procedures performed by a urogynecologist are:

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery Or Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery: A surgical procedure done to correct the prolapse of organs on the pelvic floor.
• Hysterectomy: Surgical intervention performed for removal of either the uterus alone or the uterus along with ovary and fallopian tubes.
• Enterocele, Rectocele, And Vaginocele Repair: Asurgical procedure intended to make the vaginal wall stronger by moving a small portion of the small intestine or rectum or bladder, or urethra, whichever is bulging through the vaginal wall.
• Rectovaginal Fistula Repair and Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair: Surgical intervention is done to repair an abnormal channel or hole connecting the vagina to the intestine or bladder, respectively.
• Urethral Diverticulum Surgery: Surgery is performed to remove the abnormal sac or protrusion on the urethra.
• Mesh Mid-Urethral Sling: A procedure performed to treat stress urinary incontinence.

When To Consult A Urogynecologist?

One should consult a urogynecologist when any of the following symptoms may bother you.

• If you have a hard time with bladder control.
• If you have experienced recurrence in leakage or dribbling of faeces or urine.
• If you have pain, spasms, or tenderness in your pelvic area.
• If you have experienced a bulge or lump bearing down from your vagina, urethra, or anus, this increases upon coughing.
• Usually, aching pain in the vaginal area, especially during bowel movements, at night, or during sexual intercourse and insertion of tampons.

Choosing The Right Urogynecologist

Choosing the right healthcare provider is an essential factor in receiving proper and timely treatment for your urogynecological issue. A delay in receiving treatment, as such, delays the recovery process. At Apollo Spectra Hospitals, we provide an experienced panel of urogynecologists with world-class facilities and infrastructure. With the best in-field devices and innovations, our panel of experts is devoted to providing the right treatment with the best interventions in the most minimally invasive methods. Book your consultation with a female pelvic health specialist!