At least one in three U.S. women over the age of 20 will experience urogynecologic issues such as pelvic floor disorders. These concerns can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life, potentially leading to social isolation for affected individuals. Common symptoms include urinary incontinence, pelvic pressure, vaginal bulging, pain during intercourse and discomfort during urination.
A number of surgical and non-surgical treatments, personalized to your needs and lifestyle, are available to provide long-lasting relief.
Advantia Health and Urogynecology Services
Advantia-affiliated providers include a double-board certified urogynecologist, Dr. Peter O’Hare, who brings significant reconstructive pelvic surgery experience. Through his new Incontinence Center, you can access minimally invasive surgery with faster recovery, less pain and little to no hospital stay. In-office procedures for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes are available.
Urogynecologists can work in partnership with your current Advantia Health providers to diagnose, treat and help you manage your pelvic floor or related issues.
Urogynecology Conditions We Treat
Because urogynecologists have experience with a wide range of conditions impacting the female urinary tract and reproductive system, they can treat:
- Incontinence, which can be categorized into:
- Stress urinary incontinence (Urine leakage during physical activities like laughing, coughing, running or lifting.)
- Urge urinary incontinence (The inability to control urine long enough to reach the restroom.)
- Overactive bladder (Sudden and hard-to-defer urges to urinate, often accompanied by frequent daytime urination or nocturia, waking up multiple times during the night to urinate.)
- Fecal incontinence
- Pelvic organ prolapse (The descent of pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, cervix, vagina and rectum.)
- Pelvic or bladder pain
- Bowel disorders
- Menopause-related problems
- Fibroids
- Sexual dysfunction
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
- Recurring urinary tract infections
What Causes Urogynecological Conditions?
Dietary factors, drug side effects, nerve dysfunction, urinary tract infection, some cancers, vaginal childbirth, aging and menopause are all risk factors for incontinence or other urogynecological issues.
What Happens During a Urogynecology Exam?
Typically, a urogynecology appointment begins with a discussion about your past medical history so that your doctor can have a full understanding of your concerns. You will be asked about factors like past births, activity, family medical history and symptoms. It is important to provide full details about incontinence, pelvic pain, constipation, diarrhea and similar issues so that your doctor can develop the most effective treatment plan. It is often necessary for your doctor to conduct a pelvic or rectal exam.
In some cases, your doctor may refer you to or perform urodynamic testing, ultrasound, colonoscopy or cystoscopy. Once you have been evaluated, you will learn about unique treatment options that can be non-invasive, minimally invasive or full reconstructive surgeries.
Should You See a Urogynecologist?
Urogynecologists are specialists dedicated to addressing pelvic floor disorders. They undergo extensive training, including a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology, followed by three years of fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. This expertise enables them to offer comprehensive care and support to women facing these delicate health concerns.
If you are experiencing any of the issues or conditions listed above, you are encouraged to visit an experienced urogynecologist with the specialized training and experience needed to identify the right solution for you. Through a customized training plan and high-quality care, you can find relief from conditions that may be negatively impacting your life.
