Who is a 'Urogynecologist'? Could you need a doctor like this?

Do you also accidentally leak a little urine when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or lift something? Or do you feel a heaviness or pressure as if something is coming down from the vagina? These are problems that many women have, but they are a little embarrassed and uncomfortable to talk about in society. But did you know that there are a group of specialists who are trained to treat these same problems? Those are the ones we call 'Urogynecologists'.

Simply put, who is this Urogynecologist?

A urogynecologist is a doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the pelvic floor in women. Okay, now you're probably wondering what the pelvic floor is.

Imagine that in your lower abdomen, there is a network of muscles and tissues stretched like a net. This network of muscles is what holds your reproductive organs, such as your uterus, vagina, and urinary organs, such as your bladder, in place. In other words, it is the support for these organs.

So, during pregnancy, childbirth (especially vaginal), menopause, or aging, these pelvic floor muscles can become weak or injured. That's when the problems mentioned above arise. It's at times like these that we need the help of a Urogynecologist.

What is the difference between a Urologist, Gynecologist and Urogynecologist?

These three names are a bit similar, so it can be confusing. Let's see what the role of each of these specialists is. This table will make it very clear to you.

Urogynecology was actually recognized as a separate specialty in 2011. Therefore, this is a relatively new field.

What are the main conditions that a urogynecologist treats?

These specialists mainly treat pelvic floor disorders. Let's take a look at what they are.

How are conditions like this treated?

A urogynecologist can suggest various treatment options depending on your condition.

• Prescribing medications: Giving medications that help control bladder and regulate bowel movements.
• Device insertion: For example, if there is a condition called prolapsed organ (POP), a device made of silicone or rubber called a ``Vaginal Pessary'' can be inserted into the vagina to hold the prolapsed organ back in place.
• Surgery: Reconstructive surgery is performed to put the damaged limb back in place. Sometimes your own tissue is used, or a mesh-like support is used to strengthen the weakened muscles.
• Teaching pelvic floor exercises: They teach you exactly how to do "Kegel exercises." These strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. Sometimes, a technique called ``Biofeedback'' is also used in conjunction with a physical therapist.
• Suggesting lifestyle changes: Making small changes to things like your eating habits and toileting habits can help control symptoms.

How do I know if I need to see a Urogynecologist?

If you have one or more of the following symptoms, it is a good idea to consider seeing a urogynecologist. It is important to seek medical advice rather than being embarrassed about these things.

• If you are leaking urine or feces without even realizing it.
• If you need to urinate more often than usual.
• If you have difficulty controlling your urge to urinate until you reach the toilet .
• If you feel a feeling of fullness, heaviness, or pressure in your vagina or pelvic area.
• If you feel something coming down your vagina or if you feel something getting caught.

What happens when you go to see the doctor for the first time?

When you first visit a urogynecologist, you can generally expect the following:

1. Talking about your symptoms: The doctor will ask about your medical history. They will ask about your symptoms, when they started, how long they have been present, and how they affect your daily life.

2. Physical examination: A pelvic exam is performed to check the condition of the organs and tissues in the pelvic cavity.

3. Suggesting treatment or further tests: After the examination, the doctor will explain to you what treatment options are best for your condition. Sometimes, he may also suggest some more tests to determine the exact cause of the disease.

You can also ask your doctor questions like these:

• What could be the cause of my condition?
• What is the damage to my pelvic cavity?
• What treatments do you suggest?
• How much recovery can I expect after treatment?
• What can I do to prevent this situation from getting worse?

When you can't control even the most basic things like urinating and defecating, it can be really embarrassing and embarrassing. But a Urogynecologist is a specialist who can help you get rid of that discomfort. So, if you have this problem, don't hesitate and ask your family doctor (primary care doctor) for a referral to a Urogynecologist.