Looking for Primary Care services? Schedule online with an Iowa Clinic provider.

Skip to Main Content

Menu

Close
Menu
Urogynecology

Urogynecology

Call to Schedule: 515.875.9290

Call to Schedule: 515.875.9290

VIRTUAL CARE

Patient Information

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a set of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis that provides support for a woman’s internal organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum.

What is a pelvic floor disorder?

A pelvic floor disorder occurs when women have weakened pelvic muscles or tears in the connective tissue due to excessive strain on the pelvis due to childbirth, repeated strenuous activity, menopause, chronic disease, or pelvic surgery. Other factors that can weaken the pelvic floor include repetitive heavy lifting, tobacco use, and genetics.

The following are some problems that arise from damage to the pelvic floor:

  • Incontinence: loss of bladder or bowel control, leakage of urine or feces.
  • Prolapse: the descent of pelvic organs; a bulge and/or pressure; ‘dropped uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum.'
  • Emptying Disorders: difficulty urinating or moving bowels.
  • Pain: discomfort to the lower back, pelvis or bladder and/or urethra.
  • Overactive Bladder: frequent need to void, bladder pressure, urgency, urge incontinence (difficulty holding back urine when having the urge to urinate)
  • Fistulas: an abnormal hole between the vagina and rectum (rectovaginal), vagina and urethra (urethrovaginal), or vagina and the bladder (vesicovaginal)

What Kind of Training Does a Urogynecologist Have?

Urogynecologists are physicians who have completed medical school and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology or Urology. These physicians become specialists with additional years of fellowship training and certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. The training consists of providing expertise in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the muscles and connective tissue of the female pelvic organs. These physicians are also knowledgeable about the latest research in the field pertaining to these conditions.

What Treatments and Services are available?

A urogynecologist can recommend a variety of therapies to cure or relieve symptoms of pelvic floor disorders. Your urogynecologist can help you choose the one that works best for you and your lifestyle.

We respect your privacy. Learn more about our Patient Chaperone Policy.

Back to top