Calling All Women: Have You Heard of Urogynecology?

There is a female-focused field of medicine that you may not have heard of and it’s called urogynecology. We recently had a conversation with Cristina Saiz, MD, and Patrick Culligan, MD, the Co-Medical Directors of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology) for Valley Medical Group, about the field of urogynecology and the important role that urogynecologists play in helping women to maintain their health and quality of life.

Q. WHAT IS UROGYNECOLOGY?

A. Dr. Saiz: Urogynecology, which is also known as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, is the medical subspecialty exclusively dedicated to the treatment of women with pelvic floor disorders. To become a urogynecologist, we must complete a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology and then undergo an additional three-year fellowship training program where we learn to manage pelvic floor disorders. Once our training is complete, we take a comprehensive exam in order to become board certified in urogynecology.

Q. WHAT ARE PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS?

A. Dr. Culligan: The pelvic floor is a term we use to describe the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that provide support for a woman’s internal organs (including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum). Not only does the pelvic floor prevent these organs from falling down or out, but it also plays a very important role in making the organs function properly. When a woman’s pelvic muscles are weakened or she develops tears in the pelvic connective tissues, she is considered to have a pelvic floor disorder. Q. DO THESE DISORDERS IMPACT A WOMAN’S QUALITY OF LIFE?

A. Dr. Culligan: Unfortunately, these disorders can impact a woman in many different ways. Many women who have pelvic floor problems are reluctant to discuss them with anyone, or are embarrassed to acknowledge that they have a problem, even to themselves. But the truth of the matter is that these problems can have a very significant impact on your quality of life. We know that it can undermine your sense of well-being and self-worth and your ability to live your life the way you want. After experiencing these problems, women may begin to stop exercising or participating in physical or social activities, which can further reduce health and quality of life. Work activities, travel, and intimacy also may suffer as a result. This is because, despite it being a common condition, women often don’t feel comfortable talking about it. It’s still a big “taboo.”

Q. WHAT IS PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE? Q. ARE THERE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FOR THESE DISORDERS?

A. Dr. Saiz: Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when there is weakness or damage to the normal support of the pelvic floor, which results in a herniation of the vaginal wall. In these situations, the vaginal walls can no longer support the pelvic organs and a protrusion through the vaginal opening develops. The pelvic organs include the bladder, cervix, uterus, bowel, and rectum. Women who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse describe symptoms such as a heaviness or pressure in the vaginal area and a noticeable bulge protruding beyond the opening of the vagina.

Q. HOW COMMON IS PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE AND WHAT CAUSES IT?

A. Dr. Culligan: It is estimated that nearly 50 percent of all women between the ages of 50 and 79 have some form of prolapse. Things that put women at risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse include multiple and/or difficult vaginal deliveries; morbid obesity; heavy lifting over time; and certain genetic factors.

Q. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE?

that worsens by the end of the day or during bowel movements — many women describe the feeling as if they are “sitting on a ball.” Urinary frequency or the sensation of being unable to empty the bladder; difficulty starting to urinate; the need to lift up the bulging vagina or uterus to start urination; and urinary incontinence (leaking) could be present as well.

A. Dr. Saiz: Yes, there are a variety of non-surgical and surgical treatment options available to patients. In our practice, we take a very individualized approach to caring for our patients. We believe it’s crucial to take a patient’s personal preferences into account when making any treatment decisions. As such, when a patient comes to see us, we discuss the treatment options that are best suited to that patient’s specific needs — both clinically and personally.

For more information about urogynecology at Valley, or to make an appointment, please visit ValleyHealth.com/Urogynecology or call 201-221-0504.

Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the state’s #1 adult and children’s hospitals, and receiving the Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades, is a reflection of our commitment to quality care. These recognitions come with the responsibility to uphold such standards. They also come with the expectation to deliver the same level of care that it took to earn these distinctions, consistently and under any circumstances.

Hackensack University Medical Center continues to provide exceptional care - from cardiac procedures to diagnostic screenings, surgeries and emergencies, cancer treatment, and childbirth -all in a safe and healing environment. To learn how you can safely return for care visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org or call 844-HMH-WELL.