Pelvic floor issues can trigger pain, bloating, and urine or fecal (poop) leakage. These problems can be embarrassing to talk about, but they can result in severe health issues if left untreated. Sometimes, these issues happen due to trauma from childbirth, frequent heavy lifting, or other strenuous exercises. You may want to see Dr. Peter A Khamvongsa if you have the following conditions:
1. Urinary incontinence: After getting a baby or after menopause, you may have urine leakage with sneezing, laughing, coughing, or exercising. This might be temporary or stick around long term.
2. Vaginal dryness: Thinning of the vaginal walls typically happens after menopause and is known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). This disorder can cause sensations of burning, dryness, and discomfort with intercourse.
3. Problems with sexual health: Persistent, recurring issues with sexual responsiveness, desire, or orgasm can put a strain on your relationship. Poor sexual health is a medical term, and therapies are available to assist.
4. Vaginal prolapse: This happens when part of your vagina loses its usual shape, sagging or dropping down into your vaginal canal or outside of it. Prolapse might occur alone or in addition to the bladder, rectum, or urethra.
Understanding urogynecology
Urogynecology is a branch of urology and gynecology that focuses on female pelvic floor problems. Urogynecologists are highly trained to identify and treat pelvic floor diseases such as urine or fecal incontinence, constipation, or pelvic organ prolapse (uterus or vaginal prolapse). Prolapse and incontinence usually occur concurrently, and both disorders can be caused by injury to the pelvic floor during childbirth.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor’s muscles, ligaments, connective tissue, and nerves support and govern the rectum, uterus, vagina, and bladder. Childbirth, frequent heavy lifting, chronic illness, or surgery can all harm the pelvic floor.
Urogynecologists treat various gynecologic issues, such as pelvic discomfort, endometriosis, uterine leiomyoma or fibroids, irregular bleeding, and sexual dysfunction.
Treatment options available from a urogynecologist
A urogynecologist might propose several treatments to cure or improve prolapse symptoms, urine or fecal incontinence, or other pelvic floor problems. Depending on your preferences, the severity of your ailment, and overall health, they may recommend conservative (non-surgical) or surgical therapy. Medication, pelvic exercises, behavioral or nutritional changes, and vaginal devices (also called pessaries) are among the conservative alternatives.
Your urogynecologist may offer two newer therapy techniques: biofeedback and electric stimulation. They may also use safe and successful surgical methods to address incontinence and prolapse. Before you are asked to make a therapy selection, they will review all the possibilities for treating your particular problem(s).
Conclusion
A urogynecological disorder, whether caused by delivery, injury, or another ailment, can cause severe pain and suffering. Because they frequently cause urine or fecal leaks or problems with your menstrual cycle, these disorders can also limit your activity level and undermine your self-confidence. When it comes to intimacy, urogynecological diseases can sometimes drive a wedge between you and your spouse.
Once your specialist has made a diagnosis, they can collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan to help you find relief. Call The Miami Institute for Women’s Health to schedule your meeting today to find out which urogynecological disorder therapies are ideal for you.