A urogynecologist is a physician specializing in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. They have advanced training in both gynecology (women’s reproductive health) and urology (urinary tract health), making them uniquely qualified to treat conditions that affect the pelvic floor muscles and pelvic organs—such as the bladder, vagina, and rectum.
Pelvic floor disorders (problems of the pelvic organ and pelvic muscles) can cause symptoms like urinary leakage or vaginal bulging that interfere with daily life. These conditions are common, treatable, and often improve significantly with specialized care.
How is a urogynecologist different from a gynecologist or urologist?
Understanding the difference between these specialists helps you find the right care for your symptoms:
- Gynecologist: Focuses on reproductive health, menstrual issues, endometriosis, fibroids, and routine care like Pap smears and breast exams. They focus on the problems of the uterus and ovaries.
- Urologist: Treats urinary tract conditions and male reproductive health, such as kidney stones, bladder infections, and prostate problems. The focus on the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
- Urogynecologist: Combining expertise in both urology and gynecology, a urogynecologist treats pelvic floor disorders that are specific to women, recognizing how female anatomy—as well as pregnancy and childbirth—can affect pelvic organs and their function. Their work overlaps with that of urologists when managing benign conditions of the bladder and urethra, such as urinary frequency, infections, and incontinence. Their gynecologic training also enables them to address issues like vaginal pain and vaginal bulging. Because problems with female anatomy often affect bladder and rectum function, the urogynecologist’s dual expertise is especially valuable.
Conditions Urogynecologists Treat
Urogynecologists manage a wide range of pelvic health conditions offering specialized treatment, non-surgical and surgical, for women in northeast Georgia, including:
- Urinary frequency and urgency: Feeling the need to urinate too often.
- Urinary incontinence: Urine leakage which can occur during coughing, sneezing,exercise, or with the urge to go and not making it on time.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: When organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum drop from their normal position, causing vaginal pressure or bulging and, if left untreated, can cause other complications.
- Fistulas: Abnormal connections between pelvic organs causing urine or stool to come out of the vagina.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs): Issues with getting urinary infections too frequently
- Interstitial cystitis: Pain related to the bladder or urinating, or feeling like one has urinary infections often, but antibiotics do not work.
- Fecal incontinence: The leaking of stool due to weakened pelvic muscles.
- Vaginal pain or pain with intercourse: Pain that may be due to vaginal dryness, tight vaginal muscles, or problems of the pelvic nerves.
Treatments and Procedures Offered
Urogynecologists provide both non-surgical and surgical options tailored to each patient’s needs:
- Lifestyle and behavioral therapies: Pelvic floor exercises, bladder training.
- Medications: For bladder control and pain management.
- Pessary devices: Silicone supports placed in the vagina to relieve bulging symptoms.
- Botulinum toxin (“Botox”) injections: Used to relax bladder muscles and reduce urinary frequency and urgency with or without leakage of urine.
- Sacral nerve modulation: An implanted device that helps control urinary frequency and leakage, urine retention and leakage of stool.
- Sacrocolpopexy and vaginal prolapse repairs: With or without mesh, depending on patient preference and clinical need. These are done using minimally invasive surgery or robotic surgery.
Why choose NGPG urogynecology?
NGPG’s urogynecologists are fellowship trained and board-certified in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. They offer compassionate, specialized care to help women regain comfort and confidence.
To schedule an appointment, call 770-219-9810 or book online today.