What Is a Urogynecologist?

4/4/2019

By Dr. Craig McCoy

A urogynecologist is a physician who specializes in the care of women with pelvic floor disorders. This sub-specialty has evolved over the years and is now referred to as female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS). These terms are now considered synonymous. A FPMRS surgeon is a gynecologist or urologist that has specialized training in treating women with these disorders and has successfully passed a board certification exam in this discipline.

The female pelvic floor is a complex set of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue which provides support for a woman’s internal organs. Any loss of support can potentially result in problems with the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina and/or rectum.

There are several factors which can cause excessive strain on the pelvic support structures. This excessive strain can result in muscle weakness, ligament and connective tissue tears or injury to the nerves that support the pelvic muscles. The most common instigating factors are childbirth, repeated strenuous activity, chronic disease, pelvic surgery and age.

The six most common problems that arise from damage to the pelvic floor as described by the American Urogynecologic Society are as follows:

1. Incontinence: loss of bladder or bowel control, leakage of urine or feces.
2. Prolapse: descent of pelvic organs; a bulge and or pressure; dropped uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum.
3. Emptying disorders: difficulty urinating or moving bowels.
4. Pain: discomfort to the lower back, pelvis, bladder and/or urethra.
5. Overactive bladder: frequent need to void, bladder pressure, urgency, urge incontinence, (difficulty holding back urine when having the urge to urinate).
6. Fistulas: abnormal hole between the vagina and rectum, vagina and urethra, or vagina and bladder.

You should consider seeing a urogynecologist when you have problems with prolapse, and or troublesome urinary or fecal incontinence or when your primary provider recommends a consult. You may also want to consider seeing a urogynecologist if you suffer from problems with emptying your bladder or rectum, pelvic or bladder pain, fistulas, or the need for special expertise in surgery.

There are a multitude of both surgical and non-surgical treatment options now available for women who suffer from pelvic floor disorders. Locally, Dr. Craig McCoy DO, FACOG, FPMRS is a board certified female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgeon who can evaluate and offer treatment options for these disorders. If you or someone you know suffers from a pelvic floor disorder, please contact Dr. McCoy at 1513 Union Ave, Suite 1600 in Moberly, Missouri. The clinic phone number is (660) 269-8752.

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