A urogynecologist is an obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) or urologist, who specializes in the care of women with pelvic floor dysfunction.
The pelvic floor is the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue, and nerves that help support and control the rectum, uterus, vagina, and bladder. The pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease or surgery.
Although your primary care physician or Ob/Gyn may have knowledge about these problems, a urogynecologist can offer additional expertise. You can see or be referred to a urogynecologist when you have problems of prolapse, and/or troublesome incontinence or when your primary doctor recommends consultation.
Other problems for which you or your doctor might think about consulting a urogynecologist include problems with emptying the bladder or rectum, and the need for special expertise in vaginal surgery.
After medical school and a residency in either urology or obstetrics/gynecology, a urogynecologist must complete a fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive pelvic surgery. This is an intensive three-year surgical fellowship concentrating on treatment of the entire female pelvis as one unit.
In the past, women had to see different physicians to treat the bowel, bladder and genital tract. Now, women can see one physician who is trained in managing the entire pelvic floor.
These doctors are specialists in the evaluation and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, and the muscles and connective tissue that support the organs. Their additional training focuses on the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of noncancerous gynecologic problems.
To schedule an evaluation appointment at the Urogynecology and Reconstruction Center, please contact our scheduling staff at 314-747-1402.
