Urology for Women: What does a Urologist do for Females?

The topic of Female Pelvic Medicine is rarely discussed, but it needn’t be. Here, Dr. Harvey Samowitz breaks down a common misconception and things you should know about women’s urological health.  

Most urologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. While many people associate urology with men, some urologists pursue additional training to diagnose and treat a range of conditions that affect the female pelvis, including overactive bladder, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, interstitial cystitis and recurrent UTI. 

Subspecialty certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) began in 2013. FPM-RS urologists are experts in the anatomy and function of the pelvic region, and have a deep understanding of the complex neurological conditions that can affect men and women in this area.

Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) is a subspecialty of urology that can focus on the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders in women. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that support the organs in the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. 

Pelvic floor disorders can include conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence, which can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. FPMRS specialists manage these conditions with urodynamics, medicines, surgery, dietary and behavioral modification, physical therapy and pelvic rehabilitation, minimally invasive techniques, and electrical nerve stimulation to diagnose and treat these conditions, aiming to improve the patient's symptoms and overall well-being.

• Urinary incontinence: This is a common condition in which a woman experiences involuntary leakage of urine. Female pelvic medicine urologists are trained to identify the underlying cause of incontinence, which can include weakened pelvic muscles, overactive bladder, nerve damage, and other factors.
• Pelvic organ prolapse: This condition occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs (such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum) falls from its normal position into the vaginal canal. Female Pelvic Medicine urologists can diagnose and treat pelvic organ prolapse, including surgical options.
• Interstitial cystitis: Also known as painful bladder syndrome, this condition is characterized by pain and pressure in the bladder, sometimes with urinary frequency and urgency. FPMRS urologists can help identify the underlying cause of interstitial cystitis, often related to spasm and inflammation, and provide effective treatment options.
• Overactive bladder: This condition is characterized by a sudden and strong urge to urinate, even when the bladder is not full. Female pelvic medicine urologists can help identify the cause of overactive bladder in women, and provide treatment options that may include medications, pelvic muscle exercises, and other minimally invasive therapies. 
• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: This is diagnosed when an individual experiences two or more UTIs in a six-month period, or three or more UTIs in a one-year period. The symptoms of a UTI may include frequent and painful urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and lower abdominal pain or pressure. Dr. Samowitz has been selected as a Principal Investigator of a new UTI vaccine study. Participation in the clinical research study is free of charge and involves only 2 in person visits for any patient over 60 years old who had a UTI in the past 2 years.
• Neurogenic bladder and other complex disorders: Voiding dysfunction, and any other issues related to the bladder’s neurological control, such as that seen with Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Parkinson’s disease, Peripheral Neuropathy, Stroke, or the adverse effects from Pelvic Surgery or Radiation can lead to urinary incontinence, urinary retention and overactive bladder issues. 

When it comes to urology for women, Female Pelvic Medicine is important because it addresses a range of conditions that can have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. These conditions, such as urinary frequency and urgency, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence are often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to decreased quality of life and decreased overall health. By specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, FPMRS specialists can provide comprehensive and effective care to women, improving their symptoms and overall well-being. This can help women feel more comfortable, confident, and empowered in their daily lives, leading to improved quality of life and better overall health outcomes.

The FPMRS specialist focuses on the delicate relationship between the nervous system, the bladder, other pelvic organs, pelvic floor muscles and urinary sphincter. We have the experience and expertise to offer a wide range of treatments - from medical to more natural treatments, from surgical to minimally invasive therapies, from conventional to unconventional therapies. These may include dietary and behavioral modification, pelvic rehabilitation, medications, Botox, sacral nerve stimulation, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, artificial urinary sphincter, Active Continence Therapy balloons, slings, bulking agents, and bladder instillations.

When it comes to urology for women, Female Pelvic Medicine is important because it addresses a range of conditions that can have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. These conditions, such as urinary frequency and urgency, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence are often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to decreased quality of life and decreased overall health. By specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, FPMRS specialists can provide comprehensive and effective care to women, improving their symptoms and overall well-being. This can help women feel more comfortable, confident, and empowered in their daily lives, leading to improved quality of life and better overall health outcomes.

FPMRS urologists play a vital role in the health and well-being of women. By offering a range of diagnostic and treatment options for conditions that affect the female pelvic area, these specialists are helping women live healthier, more active lives. If you are experiencing symptoms related to the female pelvic region, it is important to seek the care of a Board Certified Female Pelvic Medicine urologist to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment.