Many women with pelvic floor issues suffer in silence, either out of embarrassment or simply because they don’t know that effective treatment exists.

Urogynecology is the specialized field of women’s health that focuses on the pelvic floor, the muscles, and connective tissues that support reproductive organs (including the uterus and vagina) as well as organs in the urinary system (including the bladder). When the pelvic floor is weakened or damaged, it can lead to conditions that significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, and more.

Any woman experiencing pelvic floor issues can benefit from seeing a urogynecologist. TopLine MD Alliance Network urogynecologists are best-in-class at diagnosing pelvic floor disorders and creating compassionate treatment plans that support every woman’s long-term health, comfort, and confidence.

Keep reading to learn all about urogynecology, including where to find pelvic floor treatment in Florida. Pelvic floor issues are far more common than many women realize, and most develop gradually over time rather than appearing suddenly, so the time for conversation is now.

What kind of specialist do you need?

While urology and gynecology are specialties that have existed for decades, urogynecology was not officially recognized as a specialty area until 2011.

Like the name suggests, a urogynecologist diagnoses and treats conditions that overlap with those that urologists and gynecologists treat. However, there are many key differences between the specialties.

Urology vs. urogynecology

  • Urologists treat men, women, and children, while urogynecologists only treat women.
  • Urologists treat the entire urinary system and male reproductive organs. Urogynecologists focus specifically on the muscles and connective tissues of the female pelvic floor.
  • Patients typically see a urologist for conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, or erectile dysfunction.

Gynecology vs. urogynecology

  • Gynecologists focus on general female reproductive care (including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina) instead of pelvic floor disorders.
  • Patients typically see a gynecologist for routine exams, pap smears, birth control, and menopause concerns.

Many TopLine MD Alliance Network urogynecologists are board-certified OB-GYNs who completed four years of general obstetrics and gynecology training, plus three years of additional fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reproductive surgery.

Think of urogynecologists as pelvic floor specialists, with the knowledge and training to address a wide range of women’s health conditions.

What conditions do urogynecologists treat?

TopLine MD Alliance Network urogynecologists understand that patients may feel uncomfortable discussing their condition with others. All urogynecology care is provided compassionately with the ultimate goal of improving the patient’s quality of life.

Here are some of the most common conditions treated by urogynecologists.

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine due to loss of bladder control. Urinary incontinence affects people of all ages but is more common in women, especially as they get older. Women are most likely to develop urinary incontinence during pregnancy and childbirth or after the hormonal changes of menopause, due to weakened pelvic muscles.

Types of urinary incontinence include:

  • Urge incontinence – A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage
  • Overflow incontinence – Small dribbles of urine caused by the bladder not emptying completely
  • Stress incontinence – Involuntary leakage caused by pressure on the bladder (coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects, exercising, etc.)

Suggested urinary incontinence treatment may include:

  • Losing weight – Weight loss significantly reduces urinary incontinence by decreasing pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor.
  • Limiting caffeine and alcohol – Caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics, which increase urine production. Caffeine also irritates the bladder, triggering muscle spasms and reducing the ability to hold urine.
  • Pelvic floor muscle training – Kegel exercises strengthen pelvic muscles to control leakage.
  • Medical and surgical interventions – Certain medications, Botox injections, and nerve stimulators can help calm bladder muscles, while mesh surgery supports the urethra.

Overactive bladder

An overactive bladder is a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate caused by involuntary bladder muscle contractions. Symptoms of an overactive bladder include:

  • An intense urge to urinate that is difficult to stop
  • Urinating frequently (more than eight times in 24 hours)
  • Waking up more than twice a night to urinate

An overactive bladder occurs when muscles within the bladder contract too often or unexpectedly, even when the bladder is not full. These contractions may be caused by nerve damage, bladder stones, urinary tract infections, obesity, diabetes, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and other factors.

Like urinary continence, overactive bladder treatment may include losing weight, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and Kegel exercises. Other overactive bladder treatment options include:

  • Bladder training – Gain bladder control by following a strict urination schedule, rather than waiting for the urge to go.
  • Medical and surgical interventions – Medications that help relax the bladder come in pill, liquid, or patch forms. Botox injections and nerve stimulators may also be considered, with surgery only performed in rare cases.

Pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic muscles weaken, causing the bladder, uterus, rectum, or other organs to sag or bulge into the vagina. During pelvic organ prolapse, a woman may experience:

  • Heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area
  • Visible tissue protruding from the vaginal opening
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Bladder not feeling fully emptied after urinating
  • Difficulty having bowel movements
  • Pain in the lower back or groin

Pelvic organ prolapse is often caused by pregnancy and childbirth, aging, chronic straining due to constipation, or excessive coughing. Heavy lifting and high-impact exercise also increase a woman’s risk for prolapse.

Suggested pelvic organ prolapse treatment may include:

  • Dietary changes – Increase fiber intake and drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation.
  • Lifestyle changes – Quit smoking to stop chronic coughing, and avoid heavy lifting if possible.
  • Pelvic floor muscle training – Although they cannot reverse severe prolapse, Kegel exercises can strengthen pelvic muscles.
  • Medical and surgical interventions – Physical therapy and/or vaginal pessaries (medical-grade silicone devices that are inserted to provide support) can help patients avoid surgery. However, surgery may be necessary depending on the severity of the prolapse.

To learn more about urinary incontinence treatment, overactive bladder treatment, or pelvic organ prolapse treatment in Florida, schedule an appointment with a TopLine MD Alliance Network urogynecologist.

Other urogynecology conditions include:

  • Fecal incontinence – When weakened pelvic muscles cause a woman to leak stool
  • Vaginal fistulas – An unusual opening that forms between the vagina and another organ (such as the bladder, colon, or rectum) and usually requires surgical repair
  • Chronic urinary tract infections – Having two or more urinary tract infections within six months (or three within a year)
  • Chronic pelvic pain – Pain unrelated to a woman’s menstrual cycle that lasts six months or more

What to expect at a urogynecology appointment

Your appointment with a TopLine MD Alliance Network urogynecologist will begin by reviewing your medical history, including any pregnancies or surgeries. The urogynecologist will also ask detailed questions about your symptoms, so they understand your specific concerns. This includes when the symptoms started, how long they last, and how they are affecting your life.

Next, the urogynecologist will perform a pelvic and/or rectal exam, focusing on your pelvic organs, muscles, and tissue. You may be asked to provide a urine sample to check for any infections.

Depending on your symptoms, you may also be asked to do additional in-office testing, such as a post-void residual (an ultrasound check of how much urine is left in your bladder after urinating) or an assessment of your current pelvic floor muscle strength.

Based on their findings, the urogynecologist will recommend treatments and any additional tests needed to complete your diagnosis. For example, if you are concerned about bladder leakage, the urogynecologist may suggest a cystoscopy (a procedure that uses a tiny camera to take a closer look inside your bladder).

After diagnosing your condition, your TopLine MD Alliance Network urogynecologist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your symptoms and provides you with a path forward. This plan may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, vaginal devices, or pelvic surgery, depending on your condition.

Find a urogynecologist in Florida today

The TopLine MD Alliance was created by physicians who came together to make healthcare experiences better for patients. We help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, connecting them with top-tier healthcare providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers we trust.

The TopLine MD Alliance brings together high-quality care, exceptional service, and compassionate support while ensuring that you are always satisfied with your choice of medical providers. In addition to urogynecology, our specialties include urology, gynecology, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, gynecologic oncology, obstetrics, and many more.

To get started, find a provider near you today.