Conditions such as bladder leaks or pelvic pressure are common medical issues that can significantly impact a person's daily activities. Urogynecologists specialize in pelvic floor health to treat symptoms including urine leakage, heaviness in the pelvis, or a vaginal bulge.
Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) affect nearly one in three women at some point in their lives. The pelvic floor consists of muscles and connective tissues that support the bladder, uterus, vagina, and bowel. When these muscles stretch or weaken, various bothersome symptoms can develop.
Jolyn Hill, MD, an associate professor and fellowship-trained urogynecologist at University of Utah Health, stated that while these disorders can feel embarrassing, they are exactly what specialists are trained to treat. Common conditions managed by urogynecologists include pelvic organ prolapse, stress incontinence, urgency incontinence, bladder frequency, and fecal leakage.
Urogynecologists undergo advanced training through either an OB/GYN residency with a three-year fellowship or a urology residency with a two-year fellowship. Many patients seek care later in life, often after managing chronic symptoms for several years.
Treatment options are frequently non-invasive and cost-effective. Common plans include pelvic floor physical therapy and the use of vaginal inserts like pessaries. Dr. Hill noted that surgery is an available option when needed but is not necessarily the first step and remains a shared decision between the patient and provider.
University of Utah Health provides access to a growing team of fellowship-trained urogynecologists serving the Mountain West. Dr. Hill emphasized that pelvic floor disorders are not a personal failure and that increased awareness is leading to better treatment outcomes.
