Urogynecology is a subspecialty of gynecology that treats problems related to the pelvic floor, pelvic organ anatomy, and urinary tract function in women. This includes urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ, prolapse genitourinary fistulas, and congenital female genital anomalies.
Your pelvic floor consists of muscles and connective tissues that support the organs in your reproductive system, including your uterus and vagina. These muscles also support organs in your urinary system, like your bladder. Weakened or injured pelvic floor muscles can cause problems with how these organs and systems work.
Some common pelvic floor disorders include:
Your pelvic floor consists of muscles and connective tissues that support the organs in your reproductive system, including your uterus and vagina. These muscles also support organs in your urinary system, like your bladder. Weakened or injured pelvic floor muscles can cause problems with how these organs and systems work.
Some common pelvic floor disorders include:
- Urinary incontinence – bladder control issues such as stress incontinence (leakage with cough, sneeze, or other activities), urge incontinence (leakage with the urge to pee), and overactive bladder (having to pee frequently or urgently).
- Pelvic floor prolapse – one or more organs slip out of place because there is not enough pelvic floor support. Organs that can slip out include your bladder, uterus, rectum, and vagina.
- Fecal (bowel) incontinence – weakened pelvic floor muscles can cause fecal incontinence, or “bowel leakage” when you can’t prevent stool from leaking.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction – this condition involves not being able to coordinate the pelvic floor muscles that control when you pee and poop. It can lead to trouble peeing or having bowel movements. It can also cause vaginal pain and pain with intercourse.
- Vaginal fistulas – with this condition, a passageway forms from an injury or certain medical conditions, allowing pee or stool to leak into your vagina.
To treat these pelvic floor conditions, urogynecologists may:
- Prescribe medications
- Fit you for devices
- Perform surgeries such as laparoscopic and robotic
- Teach pelvic floor strengthening exercises
- Recommend helpful lifestyle changes
At Jamaica Hospital's Department of Women's Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life and provide a warm and welcoming environment.
To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at 718-291-3276.
