Female Urology

Female urological problems are due to diseases of the pelvic floor, bladder and urethra. The pelvic floor includes the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support and help control the bladder, vagina, uterus and rectum. Some common pelvic floor disorders are:

• Leakage of urine (incontinence)
• Overactive bladder (OAB), including frequent need to urinate, waking at night to urinate
• Nocturia, strong urge to urinate (urgency)
• Bulging, sagging or falling of pelvic organs (prolapse)
• Painful urination (dysuria)
• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia, vulvodynia)
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful bladder (interstitial cystitis, urethral syndrome)
• Difficulty urinating or having bowel movements (emptying disorders)

These and other problems can result from childbirth, aging, illness, surgery, chronic constipation, side effects of medications, repeated heavy lifting or other causes. A medical history, physical examination and tests will help the urologist determine the cause of your problem and help you decide on an appropriate treatment.