Urogynecology is a medical sub-specialty related to the treatment of the female urinary system. Thus, it involves professionals specialized in urology or gynecology in order to treat urinary incontinence and genital prolapse, for example.
Urogynecology is also one of the specialties of physiotherapy, aiming at the prevention and rehabilitation of problems related to the vagina, pelvic floor, rectum and others.
What can be treated by the urogynecologist?
Situations involving the female urinary system can be identified and treated by the urogynecologist, such as:
- Infections of the urinary system, such as cystitis; Falling uterus and bladder; Sagging of the vagina; Pelvic pain during intimate contact; Vulvodynia, which is characterized by pain, irritation or redness in the genital region - learn more about vulvodynia; Genital prolapse;
In addition, the urogynecologist can treat faecal and urinary incontinence, which can be treated by a physical therapist through exercise. See how to do urinary incontinence exercises.
When to go to the urogynecologist
When any disease related to the female urinary system is identified by the general practitioner, it is important that the patient be referred to urogynecological physiotherapy or to a gynecologist or urologist whose sub-specialty is urogynecology. However, this does not prevent the patient from addressing herself directly to the urogynecologist in the first symptoms she feels.
The urogynecologist determines the treatment through the evaluation of the results of several exams, such as laboratory exams, imaging exams, such as X-rays, resonance and ultrasonography, study of urodynamics and cystoscopy, which is an endoscope exam that aims to observe the urinary tract low, such as urethra and bladder.
