Urogynecology
About Urogynecology
What is a Urogynecologist?
A urogynecologist or female pelvic medicine & reconstructive pelvic surgeon is a doctor who has special training in caring for women with pelvic floor disorders. Typically, a urogynecologist has completed a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology. This is followed by additional training in the evaluation and treatment of conditions that affect the support and function of the female pelvic organs and pelvic floor.
What can a Urogynecologist do?
A urogynecologist can recommend a variety of therapies to cure or relieve symptoms of pelvic floor disorders. You should choose the one that works best for your lifestyle and meets your goals. Sometimes simple changes and interventions can have a significant impact on daily quality of life. Dr. Evans may advise conservative (non-surgical) or surgical therapy depending on your wishes, the severity of your condition and your general health. Conservative options include medications, pelvic exercises, behavioral and/or dietary modifications and vaginal devices (also called pessaries). Pelvic Floor Therapy with Biofeedback and Electric Stimulation are also treatments that your urogynecologist may recommend. Safe and effective surgical procedures are also utilized by the urogynecologist to treat incontinence and prolapse. (source)
The Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a set of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis that provides support for a woman's internal organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum.A pelvic floor disorder occurs when women have weakened pelvic muscles or tears in the connective tissue due to excessive strain on the pelvis due to childbirth, repeated strenuous activity, menopause, chronic disease, or pelvic surgery. Other factors that can weaken the pelvic floor include repetitive heavy lifting, excessive weight, tobacco use, and genetics. (source)
What are some of the problems that arise from damage to the pelvic floor?
Incontinence
Loss of bladder or bowel control, leakage of urine or feces.
Prolapse
Pelvic prolapse is the descent of pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, vagina, or rectum). A bulge or extreme pressure may be a sign of this. Learn how to reduce your risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse.
Emptying Disorders
Pain
Overactive Bladder
An overactive bladder is a general term that could be many things. This can be the frequent need to void the bladder, bladder pressure, sudden urgency to relieve the bladder, and urge incontinence (difficulty holding back urine when having the urge to urinate). Take the bladder control quiz.
Fistulas
Sexual
Procedures & Conditions
A urogynecologist only treats females and does not treat anything in the upper urinary tract (kidney stones or kidney cancer). Dr. Evans performs vaginal, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery for any damage to the pelvic floor.
Conditions
- Bladder Control
- Bowel Leakage
- Constipation
- Cytocele
- Difficulty Emptying Bladder
- Dropped Bladder
- Dropped Bowels
- Dropped Uterus
- Fistula between Bladder (or urethra) and Vagina
- Fistula between Bowels and Vagina
- Herniated Intestines
- Painful Intercourse
- Prolapsed Pelvic Organ
- Prolapsed Uterus/Uterine Prolapse
- Prolapsed Vagina, Vaginal prolapse
- Rectocele
- Rectrovaginal Fistula
- Urethral Cyst
- Urethral Diverticulum
- Urethral Fistula
- Urinary Frequency
- Urinary Incontinence
- Urinary Retention
- Vaginal Cyst
- VesiCovaginal (or urethrovaginal) Fistula
- Voiding Dysfunction
- Vulvar Vestibulitis
- Vulvodynia
- Weak Pelvic Floor
Doing Research?
Urological Care
Hours
Monday: 8am - 4pm Tuesday: 8am - 4pm Wednesday: 8am - 4pm Thursday: 8am - 4pm Friday: 8am - 4pmRequest an Appointment
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