Urogynecology

Oh, the joys of aging! As women, we can handle almost anything – the pain of childbirth, the stress of raising teenagers, the challenges of menopause. But when it comes to urinary incontinence or overactive bladder, our strength can fizzle to embarrassment and desperation. If you suffer from issues related to pelvic, bowel, or bladder control problems, the answers are just a phone call away.

Why Me?
You are not alone in suffering from what we call urogynecological conditions. Between 15 and 20 million people in the United States have bladder control problems, according to the American Urogynecologic Society.

Women are twice as likely to have issues with bladder control as men, and their risk of developing this condition increases as they age. One of the most common problems facing women is pelvic floor dysfunction, which affects approximately 50 percent of all women. Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, vaginal pain or discomfort and abdominal discomfort.

Just remember, you don’t have to live with these or other urogynecological disorders. The good news is that 80 to 90 percent of these cases can be successfully treated with medication or surgery.

What is Urogynecology?
Explained simply, urogynecology is treating women’s bladder and pelvic floor problems. Our urogynecological specialists can treat:

• Urinary incontinence – leaking or loss of bladder control
• Overactive bladder – the urge to urinate frequently
• Prolapse – weak pelvic support that cause internal organs to drop down
• Difficulty with urination or bowel movements
• Pelvic pain or discomfort
• Recurring urinary tract infections
• Painful bladder syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis)

Treatment
Our Women’s Wellness Center offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatment might include medication, pelvic exercises, or dietary or lifestyle modifications. When symptoms continue to interfere with your daily activities, vaginal, abdominal, or laparoscopic surgery may be necessary. Many times, corrective surgeries for pelvic and bladder conditions are outpatient procedures with small incisions, minimal pain, and short recovery times.

Some foods and beverages are thought to contribute to urine leakage. Their effect on the bladder is not always understood, but you may want to see if eliminating one or all of the items listed below improves your urine control.

• Alcoholic beverages
• Carbonated Beverages (with or without caffeine)
• Milk or milk products
• Coffee or Tea (even decaffeinated)
• Medicines with caffeine
• Citrus juice and fruits
• Tomatoes/Tomato-based products
• Highly spiced foods
• Sugar and artificial sweetener
• Honey
• Chocolate
• Corn Syrup

Our Women’s Wellness Center
The Women’s Wellness Center at UT Health Northeast is home to physicians and care providers who will take the time to listen to you and be sensitive to your needs; they will respect your privacy and partner with you in providing the knowledge and understanding you need to make health-care decisions that are right for you.

You will find medical professionals who combine a kind and gentle nature with extensive training and experience.

UT Health Northeast
As part of the world renowned University of Texas System, we have provided excellent patient care and cutting-edge treatment for over 60 years. Our patients appreciate the convenience of having their physicians’ offices, a 24-hour emergency room, lab and radiology, and a hospital all at one location with free and convenient parking.


To schedule a new patient appointment or for more information about the UT Health Northeast Women’s Wellness Center, please call (903) 877-7826.