Urogynaecology is a relatively new super speciality that deals with pelvic floor disorders in women. A lot of our women suffer from some form of pelvic floor disorder. All pelvic floor disorders considerably affect a women’s quality of life. Unfortunately most fail to seek medical help due to the myth that it is a part of the ageing process and nothing much can be done about it. However medical science has progressed by leaps and bounds and several treatment options are available for these urogynaecological problems.
Our doctors along with Dr.A.Tamil Selvi (senior urogynaecologist) have started this new department at our hospital for the betterment of women’s health.
What is a pelvic floor?
A pelvic floor is a set of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis that provides support for a women’s internal organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum.
What causes pelvic floor disorders?
Normal changes in women’s life like pregnancy, childbirth and menopause cause damage to pelvic floor. The other factors that weaken the pelvic floor are obesity, prolonged cough, long term constipation, repeated heavy lifting, genetics and other neurological problems.
What are the problems that arise as a result of damage to pelvic floor?
Stress Incontinence: leaking urine when coughing or sneezing or lifting weight (incontinence or loss of bladder control)
Prolapse: 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 urinate, bladder pressure, urgency, urge incontinence (having a strong urge to urinate and leaks before you get to the toilet)
When should women consult a Urogynaecologist?
A urogynaecologist should be seen when they have problems of prolapse, and/or troublesome urinary incontinence, problems with emptying the bladder or rectum, pelvic pain or bladder pain and the need for special expertise in vaginal surgery.
What Treatment Options are Available from a Urogynaecologist?
A urogynaecologist can recommend a variety of therapies to cure or relieve symptoms of pelvic floor disorders. You should choose the one that works best for your lifestyle and meets your goals.
Sometimes simple changes and interventions can have a significant impact on daily quality of life. She may advise conservative (non-surgical) or surgical therapy depending on your needs, the severity of the condition and the general health. Conservative options include medications, pelvic exercises and dietary modifications and vaginal devices. Safe and effective surgical procedures are also utilized by the urogynaecologist to treat incontinence and prolapse.
For Contact Details: 146B, Mettupalayam Road, Coimbatore – 641043. Phone No: 0422-4201000.
Dr. P. Devi, DGO., DNB., MRCOG(UK)
Urogynaecology Clinic @ Womens Center By Motherhood
