What Is Urogynecology?

Urogynecology is a specialty dedicated to the treatment of disorders of the female pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is a set of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvic that provides support for a woman’s bladder, vagina, uterus, rectum, and bowel.

What Is Urogynecology? Pelvic floor disorders occur when women have weakened pelvic muscles or tears in the connective tissue due to excessing strain on the pelvis. Pregnancy and childbirth, repeated strenuous activity, obesity, aging and menopause, chronic diseases, prior pelvic surgery, fibroids or pelvic tumors, and other factors like tobacco use and genetics can also affect the pelvic strength.

Urogynecologists or urogyns are doctors that receive special training to diagnose and treat women with these disorders. Some of the common conditions urogynecologists treat include:

urinary incontinence or leakage
pelvic organ prolapse (dropping of the vagina, uterus, bladder, and rectum)
overactive bladder
fecal incontinence
vaginal atrophy
recurrent urinary tract infections
hormone replacement
interstitial cystitis
fistulas
neurological dysfunction of the bladder and pelvic floor

Urogynecology can also address female sexual dysfunction and painful intercourse. A urogynecologist completes medical school and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology or Urology. These physicians are specialists with additional years of fellowship training and certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. The training provides expertise in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the muscles and connective tissue of the female pelvic organs.

What's the Difference Between a Urologist and a Urogynecologist?

When it comes to pelvic health, there are two specialists you might consider visiting: urologists and urogynecologists. While they both focus on conditions that affect the bladder, uterus, and pelvic floor, there are key differences between the two specialties. Here's what you need to know:

Urologists

A urologist is a physician who specializes in the urinary tract system in both males and females, as well as the male reproductive system. They are trained to diagnose and treat a range of conditions, including:

Bladder control problems
Prostate cancer
Kidney stones
Erectile dysfunction
Urinary tract infections
Urinary incontinence
Male infertility

Urogynecologists

A urogynecologist, on the other hand, is a specialist who focuses on pelvic floor disorders in women. They are trained in both gynecology and urology and specialize in conditions such as:

Urinary and Fecal Incontinence

Urinary or fecal incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or stool and can occur during everyday activities like laughing, coughing, exercising, or even resting. These conditions are common but often underreported due to embarrassment, even though they can significantly affect quality of life.

Our urogynecologists are specially trained to evaluate and treat incontinence using a compassionate and comprehensive approach. Evaluation may include a pelvic exam, bladder function tests (urodynamics), and imaging to identify the source of the issue.

Treatment options may include pelvic floor therapy, bladder training, dietary changes, medications, or in some cases, minimally invasive surgical procedures such as sling surgery or sacral nerve stimulation. With the right care plan, you can regain control and confidence.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum shift downward due to weakened pelvic muscles and tissues. Symptoms may include a sensation of pressure, visible bulging, sexual discomfort, or difficulty with bowel and bladder function.

We offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions to treat prolapse. Conservative options include pelvic floor exercises, physical therapy, and pessary devices, soft, removable devices inserted into the vagina to support prolapsed organs.

For patients seeking more permanent relief or for whom pessaries are not effective, minimally invasive prolapse surgery may be recommended. These procedures are designed to restore pelvic anatomy while preserving function and comfort.

Bladder Pain

Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Painful intercourse, or dyspareunia, can result from multiple factors, including pelvic floor muscle tension, vaginal dryness, scar tissue, or prolapse. It may cause discomfort before, during, or after sex and often impacts emotional wellbeing and relationships.

Our urogynecologists evaluate dyspareunia with sensitivity and expertise, exploring potential anatomical, hormonal, or muscular causes. Assessment may involve a pelvic exam and discussion of your health history and symptoms.

Treatment options include vaginal estrogen therapy, pelvic floor rehabilitation, lubricants, medications, or corrective procedures if structural issues are involved. We’re here to help you feel comfortable again, physically and emotionally with care that’s designed around your needs.

Chronic Pelvic Pain

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Chronic pelvic pain is a persistent discomfort that lasts six months or longer and occurs in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. This pain may feel sharp, dull, burning, cramping, or aching, and can appear during activities like intercourse, urination, or bowel movements. It may be caused by various underlying conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, childbirth trauma, or aging.

At our clinic, our urogynecologists focus on identifying the root cause of chronic pelvic pain in women and developing customized care plans. Diagnosis may involve a detailed health history, pelvic examination, and additional tests like imaging, nerve studies, or lab work.

Treatment options may include physical therapy, medications (topical, injectable, or oral), hormone therapy, nerve blocks, or surgery when necessary. Our goal is to improve your quality of life with evidence-based solutions tailored to your needs.

Urogynecologists can also provide surgical treatment for these conditions, including pelvic reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Why see a urogynecologist?

If you are experiencing pelvic floor issues that are affecting your quality of life, a urogynecologist can provide a more specialized approach to your care. They can offer a range of treatment options, including physical therapy, medication, and surgery, to improve your symptoms and restore your quality of life.

Ultimately, the difference between a urologist and a urogynecologist lies in their specialized training and focus. While urologists primarily focus on the urinary and reproductive systems, urogynecologists specialize in pelvic floor disorders in women.

If you are unsure which specialist to see for your specific pelvic health concerns, your primary care physician can help guide you in the right direction.

Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology

The attentive, compassionate physicians, providers, and staff at Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility.

From screening and prevention to treatment and recovery, our women's clinic Omaha board-certified urogynecologists will be there for you. Our team of dedicated physicians has been serving residents of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota for more than 25 years.

Contact us today.

What Is Urogynecology?