If you’re researching “what is a urogynecologist,” there’s a good chance you have experienced pelvic floor issues or struggle with urinary incontinence. Urogynecologists are doctors who treat conditions that involve the pelvic floor, like pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary leakage.

This specialty combines the expertise of a urologist, who treats problems with the urinary tract, and a gynecologist, who treats problems with the female reproductive system. The pelvic floor affects a woman’s reproductive, sexual, bladder, and digestive functions, making it crucial to her general health. A urogynecologist can diagnose a wide range of problems and use both non-surgical and surgical treatment options to improve a patient’s quality of life.

Conditions treated by a urogynecologist

About 24% of women in the United States suffer from pelvic floor disorders. Women requiring surgery to address pelvic floor conditions will likely increase by 47% over the next few decades.

The pelvic floor consists of a network of muscles, ligaments, and other tissues that acts like a basket that supports the vagina, rectum, bladder, and uterus. Urogynecologists are experts in managing ailments that directly impact a women’s pelvic floor, urinary tract, and reproductive organs. Their expertise lies in female pelvic medicine, which focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions such as:

• Pelvic organ prolapse. A weak pelvic floor can cause one or more organs to fall out of place, including the bladder, uterus, rectum and vagina.
• Urinary incontinence. This involves the involuntary release of urine, which may happen when the pelvic floor muscles are weak. It is often experienced while laughing, sneezing, or coughing.
• Overactive bladder. When the bladder muscles are overactive or the pelvic floor is weak, a woman may experience an urgent and frequent desire to pee, along with occasional involuntary leaks.

Difference between gynecologist and urogynecologist

The field of gynecology is concerned with the general well-being of the female reproductive system, as well as breast health. Its practitioners do annual checkups and treat issues such as irregular periods and signs of menopause. A related field, obstetrics, involves pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum issues. Urogynecology, on the other hand, specifically targets the pelvic floor, urinary tract, and conditions related to pelvic organ prolapse.

Signs you may need a urogynecologist

Several indicators can help guide you in deciding when it’s time to consult with a urogynecologist. Recognizing these signs early will lead to more effective treatment and improved quality of life, so a timely consultation is crucial.

• Persistent urinary incontinence or leakage..
• Pelvic pressure or bulging sensations.
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

There are a few other clues you can watch for to know when to see a urogynecologist.

• When you stand for lengthy periods of time or engage in physical activity, do you have symptoms such as vaginal bulging or the sensation of something protruding from your vagina?
• Do you feel persistent vaginal heaviness or pain that becomes worse during the day, particularly after standing for long periods of time or after you have a bowel movement?
• Do you frequently wake up during the night to use the bathroom?

A urogynecologist can help determine if an overactive bladder or other underlying issues are affecting your urinary system.

How a urogynecologist can help

Your urogynecologist specialist will ask you to fill out a medical history form before your first visit. The doctor will ask about many issues, including the duration, severity, and impact of your symptoms on your everyday life. The next step is a physical examination of your pelvic region, which will include examining the organs and tissues. The assessment will inform the doctor’s treatment recommendations, and more tests may be needed.

After your urogynecologist uses his or her expertise to make a diagnosis, you’ll learn about the available treatment options. Many pelvic floor conditions offer multiple paths to relief, allowing you and your doctor to choose the best approach for your needs.

• Physical therapy . Exercises can provide a non-surgical treatment option for pelvic floor conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or chronic pelvic pain.
• Medications . Antimuscarinic drugs may treat overactive bladder by inhibiting impulses that cause the bladder to contract, which is helpful for individuals with urgency urine incontinence. Beta-3 agonists relax the bladder muscle and decrease involuntary pee leakage while avoiding the memory-related adverse effects that have been associated with antimuscarinics, making them a safer long-term therapeutic alternative.
• Minimally invasive procedures . A pessary — a small device made of silicone, rubber, or plastic — might be inserted into the vagina to help secure the pelvic organs.
• Surgery. Reconstructive surgeries to realign the pelvic organs are one surgical option for pelvic floor problems. These procedures can fix problems such as prolapses by reinforcing weak or injured pelvic floor muscles with either your own tissue and ligaments or with supporting materials like mesh.
• Lifestyle changes. Together with your urogynecologist, you can figure out what aspects of your daily life might be exacerbating your symptoms and make adjustments as needed. Changing your diet and beverage consumption, making time for relaxation methods, and strategically scheduling toilet breaks can all help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Questions to ask your urogynecologist

Here are some questions you may want to ask  your urogynecologist to better understand your condition and treatment options:

• Why did I start experiencing pelvic floor issues?
• How bad is my pelvic floor injury?
• What kinds of therapies do you think would be most effective?
• In the end, how much strength will I have in my pelvic floor muscles?
• How can I modify my daily habits to maintain the proper functioning of my pelvic floor?

Why early diagnoses matter

It is critical to identify pelvic floor disorders as soon as possible. This helps medical professionals spot vulnerable women before the disorder has a negative effect on their well-being. Pelvic organ prolapse is one of many conditions that creep up on women 15-20 years after giving birth, and symptoms aren’t always noticeable at the beginning. As a result, monitoring the situation becomes challenging. Nevertheless, a noninvasive swab test  has shown the ability to identify increased levels of proteins associated with cellular aging in vaginal secretions. When receiving medical care, providers can use this test to detect at-risk women sooner, which means they can intervene when it’s most effective.

What is a urogynecologist? A friend when you’re in need

Florida Medical Clinic’s Urogynecology Department provides a holistic approach to treating pelvic floor issues for better women’s health. Whether you’re experiencing persistent pelvic discomfort, urine incontinence, or prolapse of the pelvic organs, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s just right for you.

Pelvic floor therapy and medicine are examples of our non-surgical choices. For more complicated patient care, we can provide minimally invasive techniques as well as reconstructive surgery. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary resources and treatment options you need to fully enjoy life.

About Dr. Mushonga

Dr. Nyarai Chinyani Mushonga uses her training and education to help patients improve their pelvic health. She specializes in a variety of pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence, bowel control issues, and pelvic organ prolapse.

Following her graduation from medical school at Rutgers University, Dr. Mushonga completed a residency at Cooper University Hospital. She is a specialist in pelvic floor issues and uses her knowledge to create individualized treatment plans for her patients.

Request an appointment with Dr. Mushonga by calling 727- 553-7461.