Urogynecology

At Allegheny Health Network (AHN), our urogynecologists have special training in female pelvic floor services. They focus on women’s pelvic floor health care, meaning they are experienced at identifying, diagnosing, and treating pelvic floor disorders.

Our urogynecologists at the AHN Center for Women’s Pelvic Health work closely with other specialties including physical therapy, colorectal surgery, gastroenterology, and urology.

What is urogynecology?

Urogynecology is a medical specialty that focuses on pelvic floor disorders in women. The pelvic floor is the “hammock” of muscles that supports the organs in your pelvis. Your pelvic floor does a lot of the heavy lifting in your body. It supports your core and keeps everything in place in your body. The most common pelvic floor disorders include urinary and fecal incontinence (lack of bladder and bowel control) and pelvic organ prolapse (when the bladder, uterus, or rectum sag into the vagina and cause a bulge in the vaginal canal).

Gynecologist vs. urologist vs. urogynecologist

Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in the female reproductive system. Most women see a gynecologist for routine exams, which may include Pap smears, STD screening, testing for vaginal infections, and overall health. Gynecologists can also help with family planning and birth control options. If your gynecologist is an obstetrician, they will continue your care through the stages of pregnancy and childbirth.

A urologist is a doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the urinary tract in women and men. They may treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), incontinence, cancer, and male infertility problems, among other conditions.

A urogynecologist is a physician who specializes in pelvic floor disorders in women. 

What urogynecologists treat: Pelvic floor disorders

Pelvic floor disorders are common and treatable. Urogynecologists treat a broad spectrum of pelvic floor disorders, which includes incontinence issues (bladder and bowel), pelvic organ prolapse (prolapsed bladder, uterus, or rectum), and pelvic floor dysfunction. Learn more about pelvic floor disorders.

At AHN, we can help women with symptoms such as:

• Pelvic organ prolapse: Vaginal bulge or pressure that may involve organs such as your bladder, rectum, bowel, or uterus.
• Urinary incontinence: Loss of bladder control, including stress or urge incontinence and overactive bladder. Urinary incontinence falls on a spectrum. Some people may dribble a little bit after they pee and some people may need to wear absorbent pads every day.

• Urinary retention: Not being able to empty your bladder all the way, which may feel like you have to pee even though you just went.
• Recurrent urinary tract infections: These are infections that keep coming back. They may affect the kidneys, bladder, ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder), and urethra (tube leading from the bladder outside the body).

• Fecal incontinence: Loss of rectal control (not being able to hold your stool in or having to rush to the bathroom).

• Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: Urinary frequency, urgency, burning, pressure, and pain.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction: When your pelvic floor muscles are overactive or too tight, it can cause vaginal pain, painful sex, and pain with activities. Learn more about pelvic floor dysfunction.

• Chronic pelvic pain: Pain in the pelvis, bladder, or bowels.

• Vaginal stenosis or non-functional vagina: A narrowing of vaginal opening and length, which may require corrective surgery.

• Mesh erosion: Correcting mesh-related complications from past surgical procedures.

Urogynecology services at Allegheny Health Network: Why choose us?

You’ll receive empathetic, specialized care and treatment for your pelvic floor disorder. You can expect:

• Highly focused care: The AHN Center for Women’s Pelvic Health is home to physicians with specialized training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. We are experienced at identifying pelvic floor conditions and using advanced treatment options.
• Sophisticated surgery alternatives: We offer noninvasive, specialized alternatives to surgery, including pelvic floor physical therapy, prosthetic devices, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
• Minimally invasive surgeries: We want you to feel better with minimal disruption to your life. Our minimally invasive surgical options offer reduced recovery time.
• Convenience: You can choose from several facilities close to home and throughout western Pennsylvania, so you can start treatment quickly and more easily.
  

Our team: Urogynecologists at AHN

Use our Find Care search tool to find an AHN doctor with expertise in urogynecology.

Contact us

Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about AHN gynecological services.