Urogynecology

Urogynecologists treat women with pelvic floor disorders such as urinary or fecal incontinence and prolapse (bulging or falling) of the vagina, bladder and/or the uterus.  Urogynecology is a subspecialty within obstetrics and gynecology.

Urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) is a very common condition affecting at least 10-20 percent of women under age 65 and up to 56 percent of women over age 65. While incontinence also affects men, it occurs much more commonly in women.

Prolapse simply means displacement from the normal position. When this word is used to describe the female organs, it usually means bulging, sagging or falling. It can occur quickly, but usually happens over the course of many years. On average, 11 percent of women will undergo surgery for this condition.

Prolapse and incontinence frequently occur together. Both conditions are believed to result from damage to the pelvic floor after delivering a baby. Other possible factors include heavy lifting on a daily basis, chronic coughing, severe constipation and obesity.

Common Terms Used in Urogynecology

• Pelvic floor muscles - A group of muscles in the pelvis that support and help control the vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra and rectum
• Bladder - A muscular organ which stores urine
• Ureters - A pair of tubes, each leading from one of the kidneys, to the bladder
• Urethra - A short, narrow tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body
• Voiding - Passage of urine out of the body