Urogynecology

Urogynecology, or Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, is the subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology that treats women with various pelvic floor disorders. It is important to understand you are not alone. Our experts at East Cooper Medical Center are dedicated to helping you restore your confidence and help you get back to living your best life.

Services & Conditions Treated

• Advanced Gyn surgery to include minimally invasive and robotics surgery, all approaches for hysterectomy
• Urinary incontinence (primary and recurrent)
• Fecal incontinence (accidental bowel leakage)
• Pelvic organ prolapse (rectocele, cystocele, uterine and vaginal vault prolapse)
• Urinary retention
• Bowel and bladder fistula, urethral diverticula
• Mesh and graft use and complications
• Urodynamics and cystoscopy
• Hematuria evaluation
• Recurrent UTIs
• Neuromodulation therapies (Interstim and PTNS), and bladder Botox
• Neurourology
• Overactive bladder, urinary urgency and frequency, nocturia
• Painful intercourse
• Pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, and high tone pelvic floor dysfunction
• Chronic constipation
• Complicated obstetric injury

Find Surgical Options for Urinary Incontinence

Approximately 18-20 million women in the U.S. suffer from incontinence, and nearly one in four have experienced some type of involuntary leaking urine. Losing control of your bladder can be a result of many different factors such as aging, childbirth or a recent surgery. Many women that experience incontinence find it difficult to speak about to anyone, even their doctor.

What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Pregnancy, vaginal delivery, surgery, radiation, or injury can lead to urinary incontinence. Other causes may include:

• Caffeine
• Chronic constipation
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Medications such as diuretics
• Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or spina bifida, where nerves and/or muscles may not function correctly
• Obesity
• Smoking

Tips for Managing Urinary Incontinence

In order to help manage this condition, doctors might recommend some of the following:

• Exercises-learning how to control and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can help women reduce or eliminate urine leakage.
• Weight Loss- Maintaining healthy body weight is important for normal pelvic floor function.
• Dietary Changes
• Drink fluids in moderation
• Eat plenty of fiber daily
• Doctors may suggest surgery if other treatments have failed