Urogynecology

What is Urogynecology?
Urogynecology is a specialty within the field of gynecology that focuses on pelvic floor disorders. Your pelvic floor is the network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues that form the supporting mechanism for your pelvic organs, which are the:

Bowel
Bladder
Uterus
Vagina
Rectum

The area supported by the pelvic floor doesn’t contain bones to help keep the organs in place; everything relies on the muscles and connective tissues in the pelvic floor. This means that if they come under too much strain, the tissues can weaken or tear, and the organs can move or even push through the pelvic floor.

The urogynecology specialists at West Kendall OBGYN have undergone fellowship training and hold certification in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery in addition to their obstetric and gynecology training. This means they’re experts in diagnosing and treating pelvic floor disorders.

What Causes Pelvic Floor Disorder?
Pelvic floor disorder or PFD can develop as the result of any activity that puts too much stress on the pelvic floor. The most common causes of PFD include:

Childbirth
Strenuous activity
Menopause
Chronic disease
Pelvic surgery
Repeated heavy lifting

Leading an unhealthy lifestyle, for example, smoking and not taking regular exercise makes it more likely that you’ll develop PFD, and there are genetic factors that increase your risk of experiencing PFD.

You can help prevent PFD by leading an active, healthy lifestyle and regularly carrying out pelvic floor strengthening movements called Kegel exercises.

What Conditions Does Pelvic Floor Disorder Cause?
PFD causes organs to move out of place, affecting their ability to function normally, and can cause damage or weaken the organs as they’re put under pressure without the support of the pelvic floor. Common complications of PFD include:

Urinary or fecal incontinence
Problems moving your bowels
Overactive bladder
Difficulty passing urine
Fistulas (holes) between the vagina and the rectum, urethra, or bladder
Pelvic organ prolapse, where organs drop down out of position

PFD typically causes pain in the pelvic region that’s concentrated in the affected organs.

What Treatments are Available for Pelvic Floor Disorder?
The treatments your provider at West Kendall OBGYN recommends aim to restore strength and function to your pelvic floor, relieving symptoms and ensuring organs and tissues are in the right place. Conservative treatment approaches for PFD include:

Behavioral management for urinary incontinence
Biofeedback
E-stim electrical stimulation
Medications
Pelvic floor re-education
Physical therapy
Urge suppression training

These non-surgical therapies can help women who have mild PFD, but in many cases, you need to see a urogynecologist at West Kendall OBGYN to discuss surgical options, including:

Pelvic floor reconstruction
Sphincteroplasty
Artificial bowel sphincter
Minimally invasive hysterectomy
Perineoplasty
Sacral nerve stimulation
Reconstruction of the urethra

For the most advanced and effective treatment of all your urogynecology problems, call West Kendall OBGYN today or book an appointment online.