Urogynecology, also known as gynecologic urology, gynecologic urology specialist, or female pelvic medicine, is a medical subspecialty that addresses problems related to the female reproductive system and the urinary system.
Urogynecology, what is it
Urogynecology addresses conditions that affect the function of the female pelvic organs, which include the uterus, bladder, urethra, rectum, vagina, and pelvic floor.
Alterations that may develop in these organs generate various problems that significantly impact women’s quality of life, such as urinary incontinence or pelvic floor dysfunction.
In addition, these situations may occur more frequently in women who have experienced childbirth, menopause, or who have some type of genetic predisposition to weakening pelvic conditions.
By addressing two different but closely related parts of the body, the urogynecologist must adopt a multidisciplinary approach, possessing knowledge in both gynecology and urology.
Depending on each patient’s condition, urogynecologic treatment may involve conservative approaches such as pelvic floor strengthening, advanced surgical interventions, or even the implantation of devices that help control urinary incontinence.
Gynecology and urology
To understand urogynecology, it is important to understand the connection between urology and gynecology.
Urologist
A urologist is a specialist focused on the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra; they also treat the male reproductive system. However, when discussing urogynecology, urology plays an essential role by providing knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of urinary dysfunctions, including recurrent urinary tract infections or incontinence; both situations are frequently related to structural problems in the pelvis.
Gynecology and obstetrics
Specifically, gynecology is the medical field dedicated to the health of the female reproductive system, which includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and mammary glands. The gynecologist manages various health situations ranging from the menstrual cycle to pregnancy, gynecologic cancer, or hormonal problems.
In this context, urogynecology specialists have critical knowledge related to female pelvic anatomy, hormonal changes, and the implications of pregnancy and childbirth; situations that may affect the pelvic floor.
An example of this is that vaginal delivery is considered one of the main causes of pelvic floor weakening, and this may trigger pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence.
Conditions treated by urogynecology
There are multiple conditions that a urogynecologist sees, and many of these are quite common but do not receive proper attention:
- Urinary incontinence: involuntary loss of urine and one of the most common problems treated in urogynecology; weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes, or pelvic nerve injuries are the most common causes, and it may present as stress incontinence that occurs during actions such as coughing, laughing, or exercising, and urge incontinence, which is a sudden and uncontrollable need to urinate.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: occurs when the muscles and tissues responsible for supporting the pelvic organs, including the bladder and uterus, weaken; this causes the organs to descend and may protrude from the vagina.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: different problems that affect the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the pelvic area and may cause chronic pain, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, and pain during sexual intercourse.
- Urinary tract infections: another very common problem treated in urogynecology, especially in postmenopausal women, as it may be related to hormonal changes that affect bacterial balance in the bladder or urethra, or due to urinary retention and prolapse.
Urogynecology is a discipline that comprehensively and specializedly manages conditions that affect pelvic and urinary health in women of all ages.
Urogynecology near me
At the Women’s Center of Centro Médico ABC, we have a team of urogynecology specialists who are highly trained and dedicated to offering comprehensive and personalized care for all your urogynecologic needs.
Our urogynecologists in CDMX are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and the most advanced treatments to manage conditions such as pelvic prolapse, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, or more.
