Leaking urine, a feeling of fullness or pressure in your pelvis that is sometimes accompanied by low back pain, pelvic pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and recurrent vaginal or urinary tract infections are symptoms that warrant a visit to a urogynecologist.
A urogynecologist is a physician who has advanced training in the subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology that combines urology, women’s health, and pelvic reconstructive surgery (urogynecology). A urogynecologist essentially focuses on providing care for women of all ages who have problems in their urinary or reproductive tract.
In this blog, we will get a better grasp of urogynecology by delving into the scope of practice of a urogynecologist.
What a Urogynecologist Does
Outlined below are some of the most common conditions that warrant specialized care from a urogynecologist:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – An infection of one or more of the upper female reproductive organs (e.g., uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries), PID is usually a complication brought on by an untreated STD (e.g., gonorrhea or chlamydia), but it can also occur as a result of a nonspecific infection.
- Uterine Prolapse – This condition occurs when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments are no longer able to provide adequate support for your uterus, causing it to slip or sag and descend to your vagina.
- Urinary Incontinence – Commonly known as urinary leakage, urinary incontinence is common among older women, those who have had vaginal childbirth, those who are overweight or obese, and those who suffer from chronic constipation.
- Vaginal Fistula – This is an abnormal, tunnel-like opening connecting your vagina to your bladder, colon, or rectum, and it occurs as a result of an injury, infection, or radiation treatment. When you have vaginal fistula, urine or stool leaks into your vagina, causing fever, belly pain, nausea, vomiting, among other symptoms.
Depending on your particular condition, a urogynecologist may recommend any or some of the following treatment approaches:
- Medications (e.g., antibiotics, pain medications, etc.)
- Vaginal pessary– a device made of plastic inserted into your vagina to treat pelvic organ prolapse
- Injections – (e.g., bulking agents for urinary incontinence)
- Pelvic floor muscle training (e.g., Kegel exercises, which strengthen the muscles supporting your bladder, uterus, small intestine, and rectum)
- Surgery (e.g., laparoscopic surgery for vaginal fistula, hysterectomy or sacrohysteropexy for uterine prolapse, etc.)
Urogynecologist in Syracuse, New York
If you’re in search of a trusted urogynecologist in Syracuse, New York, visit us here at University OB/GYN Associates. Our dynamic team includes a highly experienced urogynecologist— Dr. Eddie Sze—who is known for the compassionate care he provides as well as his commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes, helping scores of women feel their best and live their lives to the fullest.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sze today. Contact our staff at (315) 464-5162. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality of care!
