An urogynecologist is a specialist who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases affecting a woman's pelvic organs as well as the surrounding tissues and muscles. They may also do reconstructive surgery. They address problems like incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
What is the difference between a urologist and a urogynecologist?
The main distinction is that a urogynecologist solely serves women, while a urologist may treat both sexes. While urologists treat the urinary system and genitals, they do not treat the pelvic floor.
Both experts have slightly different educations. Both attend medical school, however, the prospective urogynecologist is initially educated as a gynecologist, while the applicant for urology is not. Following completion of their gynecology degree, the urogynecology candidate will begin a three-year fellowship. During this period, the applicant will learn about surgical techniques for restoring the pelvic floor, incontinence therapies, and other relevant topics.
What exactly is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a network of muscles, tissues, and ligaments that support the reproductive and excretory organs. When the pelvic floor weakens, it may lead to disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse, in which one or more organs descend from their usual place and push on the vagina.
Pelvic floor abnormalities and incontinence are often caused by injuries to the muscles, tissues, or nerves. Such damage may be caused by childbearing, obesity, surgery, aging, and chronic illnesses. Incontinence may also be exacerbated by smoking.
The most prevalent cause of pelvic floor prolapse is childbirth. Large infants, extended labor, and the use of several equipments during delivery all raise the likelihood of a pelvic floor prolapse.
What occurs at the initial urogynecologist appointment?
During your initial visit to our clinic, we will review your medical history to determine how we can best assist you. This will also be your first opportunity to discuss any symptoms you have been experiencing.
Depending on the extent of your condition, we may also do a physical assessment. For example, if you come to see us for urinary incontinence, we may do tests to check the functioning of your bladder. These checks will assist us in providing you with the finest treatment choices for your specific ailment.
What exactly are Kegel exercises?
Kegel exercises, commonly known as pelvic floor muscle training, are a set of pelvic floor strengthening exercises. They are often recommended to treat or prevent pelvic floor diseases, including urine incontinence.
What is the difference between a urologist and a urogynecologist?
A urologist is a clinician that specializes in treating illnesses of the urogenital system, which includes the urinary tract and reproductive systems. They, therefore, address disorders affecting organs including the kidneys, bladder, urethra, testicles, or vagina. The American Board of Urology offers board certification to urologists. Unlike urogynecologists, who solely treat women, urologists may treat both sexes, however, some specialize in problems that affect just one gender.
Urogynecologist in Houston is a specialization in obstetrics and gynecology. As a result, a urogynecologists first training will be comparable to that of a gynecologist: They complete a four-year OB/GYN residency and are board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Because urogynecologists specialize in treating pelvic floor problems, they must complete a fellowship in pelvic floor disorders. It takes two or three years to complete this training.
