Urogynecologists - Washington, DC

What is Urogynecology?

Urogynecology is a medical specialty that diagnoses and treats conditions of the urinary and reproductive tracts in women. These conditions are also known as pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). The pelvic floor is a group of muscle and tissues that surrounds the urinary, reproductive, and lower gastrointestinal tract. An abnormality or weakening of the pelvic floor can result in a number of different disorders such as incontinence or prolapse.

Urogynecologists are physicians who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) and complete additional urogynecologic training. Urogynecologists may provide both surgical and nonsurgical care for their female patients.

Urogynocologists may perform a physical evaluation to diagnose pelvic floor disorders. Some conditions may be diagnosed through patients' symptoms, such as incontinence. Diagnostic tests such as sonohysterography, where an ultrasound is used to produce images of the uterus, are also used. A urogynecologist may diagnose the following pelvic floor conditions:

Congenital reproductive anomalies
Incontinence
Urethral or bladder dysfunction, such as overactive bladder syndrome
Pelvic prolapse, such as when organs move from their set position
Fistulas

A number of treatments exist for urogynecological disorders, ranging from oral medications to more complex surgical operations. Treatment procedures a urogynecologist may perform or prescribe may include:

Sacral nerve stimulation
Sphincteroplasty
Minimally invasive hysterectomy (uterus removal)
Urethral reconstruction
Pelvic floor physical therapy or reeducation
Biofeedback, bladder nerve stimulation through a small needle

Urogynecologists may work with OB-GYNs, urologists, colorectal surgeons, physical therapists, and others.