Urogynecology is a branch of medicine that focuses on pelvic floor disorders, especially those that affect women. Pelvic floor disorders involve a group of muscles that stretch across the bottom of the pelvis. With a strong and healthy pelvic floor, your bladder, intestines, cervix, vagina, rectum and urethra stay where they belong.
Pelvic floor disorders change that, and you may experience frustrating and embarrassing symptoms. With the help of a urogynecologist at Warren Clinic Urology, you can address your pelvic floor disorder.
Treating Pelvic Floor Disorders
The first step toward overcoming a pelvic floor disorder is receiving an accurate diagnosis. Using a variety of tests (urine, imaging and more), a urogynecologist can better understand your issue.
Once a diagnosis is made, treatment begins. In many instances, lifestyle changes are all that is needed to overcome a pelvic floor disorder. However, sometimes medication or surgery are required. Regardless, a urogynecologist can help you move toward good health and healing. Common urogynecology conditions include:
Overactive Bladder
An overactive bladder makes you feel an immediate need to urinate, and you may urinate eight or more times daily. Additionally, you may wake up at night multiple times to urinate. You may also experience incontinence.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Sometimes, the pelvic muscles become so weak that they cannot keep pelvic organs in place. Known as pelvic organ prolapse, this condition causes organs to drop into the vagina and even extend beyond the vagina’s opening. The uterus and cervix are often involved in this situation.
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the involuntary leakage of urine during physical activities that increase pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting. It is commonly related to weakened pelvic floor muscles or changes in the support of the urethra and bladder.
Non‑Surgical Treatment Options for SUI
Behavior Modification
Lifestyle and habit changes can help reduce episodes of leakage. These strategies may include bladder training, adjusting fluid intake, managing chronic coughing, and maintaining a healthy weight. For many patients, small changes to daily routines can make a noticeable difference in symptom control.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on strengthening and improving coordination of the muscles that support the bladder, urethra, and pelvic organs. Specially trained therapists guide patients through targeted exercises and techniques designed to improve bladder control, enhance muscle awareness, and reduce urine leakage during everyday activities.
Vaginal Pessary
A vaginal pessary is a removable device placed in the vagina to help support pelvic organs and the urethra. For some patients, this added support can reduce stress-related leakage. Pessaries are fitted in the office and can be an option for individuals seeking a non-surgical approach or those who may not be candidates for surgery.
Minimally Invasive and Surgical Treatment Options for SUI
Urethral Bulking
Urethral bulking involves injecting a soft, bulking material around the urethra to help it close more effectively during physical activity. This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not require large incisions. Urethral bulking may be an option for patients seeking symptom improvement with minimal downtime.
Mid‑Urethral Mesh Sling
A mid‑urethral sling is a commonly performed surgical procedure for stress urinary incontinence. A narrow strip of surgical mesh is placed under the urethra to provide additional support and help prevent urine leakage during movement or exertion. The procedure is minimally invasive and is designed to restore support to the urethra while allowing normal urination.
Urinary Tract Infections
As the second most common infection, urinary tract infections (UTIs) don’t always cause symptoms. When they do, you may experience the following:
- Back or side pain
- Feeling shaky or tired
- Fever
- The need to urinate frequently
- Pain or burning when urinating
Urogynecology in Eastern Oklahoma
Ready to address your pelvic floor disorder? Call Warren Clinic Urology at 918-502-5930 to schedule an appointment or talk to your gynecologist for more information.