FAQs
What is a urogynecologist?A urogynecologist is an ob-gyn with additional training and experience in the evaluation and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs and the muscles and connective tissue that support those organs.
What are urodynamics and urodynamics testing?
Urodynamics is the investigation of functional disorders of the lower urinary tract. Urodynamics testing helps identify the conditions under which you may leak. This will help the doctor with the treatment of your condition. This test is not painful and usually takes about one hour once all the catheters are in place. The catheter occasionally may cause some burning or discomfort and you will also feel the pressure of having a full bladder.
What is a cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is a quick and painless procedure that allows your doctor to look directly inside your urethra and bladder using a telescope-like instrument, called a cystoscope. Cystoscopy is used to help diagnose problems with the urethra or bladder.
What are symptoms of incontinence?
Symptoms of incontinence may include:
- A strong urge to urinate whether or not the bladder is full, often with pelvic pressure
- Voiding more often than you consider usual
- The need to void during hours of sleep
- Painful voiding
- Bed-wetting or leaking while sleeping
What are some common treatments for incontinence?
Treatment options for urinary incontinence include physical therapy, medications, surgery, and pessary placement.
What is a Kegel Exercise and how do I do it?
Kegel exercises, which isolate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles, can make a big difference to your bladder control. The easiest way to locate these muscles is to stop and start your flow of urine when you use the toilet. Your exercise therapist can recommend various ways to perform Kegels and determine which method will be most effective for your particular condition.
What are some of the causes of prolapse and incontinence?
Some common causes of prolapse and incontinence include pregnancy and delivery, surgery, radiation, injuries, chronic constipation, heavy lifting or obesity.
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Prolapse is a protrusion of the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder and rectum, from relaxation of the pelvic support structures. The organs can protrude from the vagina, causing a bulge.
What are symptoms of prolapse?
Symptoms of prolapse may include:
- Feeling a heavy sensation or a lump in the vagina
- Lower back pain that is relieved when you lie down
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Pain or lack of sensation during sex
What are some treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse?
There are various surgical options to treat pelvic organ prolapse, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures. Non-surgical treatments such as biofeedback, exercise, pessary placement, and electrical stimulation may be options as well.
What is pelvic pain?
For some women, intercourse, inserting a tampon, or a gynecological checkup may be painful. For others, pelvic pain may refer to pressure or discomfort around the vaginal opening, making sitting, walking, or wearing slacks or even underwear irritating. Pelvic pain can also be felt in the abdomen, the low back and the hips.
What are some common causes of pelvic pain?
Causes of pelvic pain may include injury to, or irritation of, the nerves that supply sensation to the area around the vagina; genetic factors; spasms of the muscles that support the pelvis; postural mal-alignments and musculoskeletal imbalances causing instability of the pelvis; adhesions of the uterine wall; childbirth complications; vaginal or urinary tract infection; and hormonal alteration, particularly a decrease in estrogen.
What are some of the treatments for pelvic pain?
Effective treatments for pelvic pain may include physical therapy, topical creams, anti-inflammatory medications, diet modification, pain medications, and surgery.