Urogynecology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction result from weakened pelvic floor muscles, ligaments and connective tissues. It may be caused by childbirth, menopause, repeated strenuous activity, chronic disease or pelvic surgery, or genetics.
Urogynecologists on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Health specialize in women's health, including care for pelvic floor dysfunction, offering comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis and both surgical and non-invasive treatment options to improve a woman's pelvic health.
Urogynecology conditions
A urogynecologist can help identify and treat a number of pelvic floor disorders that prevent women from participating in activities out of fear or discomfort, including pelvic floor pain.
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Bowel incontinence
Bowel incontinence, also known as fecal incontinence, is the inability to control bowel movements, which can lead to leaking stool or difficulty having bowel movements.
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Emptying disordersEmptying disorders can cause difficulty urinating or moving one's bowels.
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Female sexual dysfunction
Sexual difficulties can begin early on in a person's life or develop after an individual has previously experienced enjoyable and satisfying sex. Problems may develop gradually or occur suddenly, resulting in an inability to participate in one or more stages of a sexual act. The causes of sexual difficulties can be physical, psychological or both.
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Fistulas
A fistula is an abnormal connection between the vagina and rectum or bladder.
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Overactive Bladder
An overactive bladder may cause a frequent need to void, urgency and urge incontinence (sometimes called bladded incontinence).
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Pain
A urogynecologist can help address any discomfort a patient experiences in the lower back, pelvis (including pelvic floor pain), bladder, urethra and vulva.
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Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more of the organs inside the pelvis (found between the waist and thighs), slip from their normal positions, sometimes causing a bulge or pressure. We can help treat a wide range of pelvic floor dysfunction, whether it causes pelvic floor pain or not.
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Urinary incontinence
Many women experience urinary incontinence, which is the loss of bladder control that causes urine leakage.
Surgical and non-surgical urogynecology treatments
Depending on the severity of your condition, general health, lifestyle and personal goals, your urogynecologist will customize a treatment approach to deliver desired outcomes and improve your quality of life.
Surgical options
Surgical options to treat urogynecology conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Vaginal
- Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted prolapse repair
- Urethral diverticulectomy
- Midurethral slings
- Sacral neuromodulation
- Bladder botox
Non-surgical options
Non-surgical options to treat urogynecology conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Medications
- Pelvic exercises
- Behavioral and/or dietary modifications
- Vaginal devices (also called pessaries)
- Pelvic floor therapy and biofeedback may also be recommended by your urogynecologist
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