Are you experiencing bladder problems, such as needing to pee frequently or having a weak stream? Or does your pelvic floor feel loose when you do Kegel exercises? If so, it’s time for you to make an appointment with a urogynecologist. Urogynecologists are specialists who deal with all issues related to the female urinary and pelvic organs. Very few medical professionals can diagnose and treat these conditions in women. A urogynecologist will completely understand the anatomy of the pelvic floor, its function, and potential complications. Here is a list of five signs that suggest you should book an appointment with a urogynecologist:
1. You Experience Bladder Weakness or Incontinence.
There are many causes of incontinence, the most common culprit being pregnancy and childbirth. If you find yourself leaking urine during certain activities or even randomly, you should visit your urogynecologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Other conditions that may cause bladder weakness are neurological disorders, chronic urinary tract infections, and certain medications. If your urogynecologist diagnoses you with bladder weakness, there are many treatments for your condition. For example, a surgical procedure called the sling procedure may be recommended to help strengthen your pelvic floor and support the bladder. The sling procedure is minimally invasive and will help improve your bladder and bladder control.
2. You Experience Chronic Pelvic Pain.
Bacterial infections, frequent UTIs, and even sexually transmitted diseases can cause chronic pelvic pain. Chronic pain could also signify endometriosis, a disorder that causes pelvic pain and other symptoms like infertility. Other causes of chronic pelvic pain include:
- Polyps
- Cysts
- Growths on the uterus and ovaries
- Fibroids
- Constipation
- Hemorrhoids
If you experience chronic pelvic pain, your first step should be to visit your primary care doctor. Your primary care doctor can help you rule out many common causes of pelvic pain and recommend treatment if they find anything. Your urogynecologist can also help rule out other causes of pelvic pain and provide you with treatment options if necessary.
3. You Have Chronic Inflammation of your Vagina or Vulva.
Inflammation of the vagina and vulva may be caused by a bacterial infection or an autoimmune disorder. Other inflammation causes include irritation from certain spermicides, sexual activity, STIs, and even an allergy to latex condoms. You should see urogynecology in Richmond VA if you experience chronic inflammation of your vagina or vulva because there are many possible causes. Your doctor will likely prescribe a topical cream or antibiotics to treat your condition. If a chronic bacterial infection is diagnosed, your urogynecologist will likely prescribe a longer antibiotic course to help eliminate the infection.
4. You’re Struggling With Losing Vaginal Muscle Tone.
As a woman grows older, the muscles in her body begin to slowly but surely lose firmness and strength. Unfortunately, this is also true of the vagina and bladder muscles. If you are struggling with losing vaginal muscle tone and want to do something about it before the problem worsens, you should visit your urogynecologist. Your specialist will likely recommend Kegel exercises, vaginal weights or pessaries, or a combination of these treatment options to help regain some of the strength and firmness of your pelvic muscles.
5. You’ve Experienced a Loss of Sensation Around Your Anus or Rectum.
Loss of sensation around the anus or rectum is not a normal part of aging. You may have rectal hypersensitivity if you’ve experienced a loss of sensation around your anus or rectum. If you experience rectal hypersensitivity, you may notice that you’re much more likely to experience bowel issues, fecal incontinence, and even bleeding in the stool. If you are experiencing a loss of sensation around your anus or rectum, your first step should be to visit your primary care doctor. Your primary care doctor can help rule out other causes of a loss of sensation and recommend treatment if necessary. Your urogynecologist can also help rule out other causes of a loss of sense and recommend treatment if necessary.
Conclusion
Visiting your urogynecologist for regular check-ups is important in maintaining optimal health. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should visit your gynecologist as soon as possible. A urogynecologist specializes in the female pelvic organs and their associated disorders. On the other hand, a gynecologist specializes in the female reproductive organs and their related disorders. Urogynecologists are often recommended to women who’ve experienced pelvic floor disorders, bladder or bowel control issues, chronic pain, or a loss of sensation in the genitals.
