What is Urogynaecology?
Urogynaecology is a speciality that combines both urology and gynaecology and is focused on addressing conditions that affect the pelvic organs including the vagina, bladder, uterus. A urogynecology consultant at New Victoria Hospital diagnoses the conditions listed below, treating them using non-surgical procedures and pelvic floor surgery when needed.
Our urogynecologists diagnose and treat:
Pelvic organ prolapse
This refers to descent of the womb, bladder, or bowel from its normal position into the vagina, leading to pain and discomfort. While lifestyle changes and pelvic floor exercises may help alleviate a prolapse, pelvic floor surgery or vaginal support pessaries may be advised.
There are several types of pelvic organ prolapse:
- Anterior wall or Cystocele - the front wall of the vagina protrudes allowing the bladder to come down into the vagina. Or the bladder protrudes into the vagina
- Posterior wall or Rectocele - the rectum bulges into the vagina
- Small Bowel or Enterocele - the small intestine bulges into the vagina
- Uterine Prolapse - the uterus comes down into the vagina
- Vault Prolapse- the top of the vagina (after a hysterectomy) slides into the vagina
Childbirth injury
During childbirth it is common for women to experience physical injury or trauma. The injuries can include prolapse and vaginal and perineal tears. This can happen naturally during childbirth or can result from medical interventions, such as an episiotomy - a procedure where the vagina or perineum is cut to make space for the baby.
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
These conditions include various difficulties related to urination, such as urinary urgency, frequency, Overactive bladder, incontinence, cystitis and voiding difficulties - where the bladder never fully empties. Might be good to mention overactive bladder (OAB) as this is a term that might be searched for.
Pelvic pain syndromes / Bladder pain syndrome
This condition is an ongoing pain in the bladder, urethra, vagina, or perineum. The pain can vary in intensity, from mild to severe, and frequency, from constant to periodic. A Urogynaecologist can access and manage these symptoms, evaluating treatment plans.