Urogynecology is a specialized field of medicine focused on the health of the female pelvic floor. A urogynecologist is a physician who has completed residency training in either Obstetrics and Gynecology or Urology, followed by a fellowship of up to three years in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS). This combined training provides a comprehensive understanding of the female urinary and reproductive systems. They treat patients with disorders involving the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that provide support to the pelvic organs.
What Conditions They Treat
Urogynecologists manage a specific set of complex conditions that affect the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. The most common issue is urinary incontinence, which can manifest as stress incontinence, involving leakage with physical activity, or urge incontinence, characterized by a sudden, strong need to urinate. They also treat overactive bladder syndrome, where the bladder muscle contracts involuntarily, causing frequent urination.
Another primary focus is pelvic organ prolapse (POP), which occurs when a pelvic organ descends from its normal position and presses into or out of the vagina. Specific types of POP include cystocele and rectocele. These specialists also provide care for fecal incontinence, which is the inability to control bowel movements, and chronic bladder pain syndromes. Furthermore, they address complex pelvic fistulas, which are abnormal connections that can form between the vagina and the bladder or the vagina and the rectum.
Step-by-Step Guide to Locating a Specialist
The initial step in finding a urogynecologist is often a referral from your primary care physician or gynecologist, as they can assess your symptoms and confirm the need for a specialist. Since many healthcare systems require this referral for covered visits, confirming this administrative requirement first is important. If you are seeking a specialist independently, the most direct approach is to use the online databases maintained by professional organizations.
Search for the “Find a Doctor” tool on the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) website. Another highly reliable method is to verify the physician’s board certification status directly through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) or the American Board of Urology (ABU). Certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) indicates the most rigorous, specialized training in this area.
When using these search portals, filter results by your geographic area and then cross-reference those names with your specific insurance provider’s directory. This ensures the specialist is considered “in-network,” which directly affects your out-of-pocket costs. Remember that a physician’s listing on a professional site does not guarantee they accept your insurance plan.
Consider looking at academic medical centers or large hospital systems, as these often house specialized urogynecology departments. Specialists practicing in an academic setting may also participate in clinical trials, which could provide access to newer therapies. Private practice urogynecologists may offer more convenient scheduling, so the choice often depends on balancing access to advanced care with logistical needs. Regardless of the setting, always confirm the physician’s hospital affiliation, especially if surgery is a potential treatment path.
Preparing for Your First Consultation
Once you have identified a potential provider, the first preparatory step is to contact their office staff to verify logistical details. You should confirm that your insurance coverage is accepted and ask about any co-pay or deductible requirements before scheduling the appointment. Inquire specifically about the need for authorization or referral paperwork, as failure to secure this in advance can result in a denied claim.
To make the most of your consultation, you should gather and organize specific medical information to present to the specialist. This includes a complete list of all current medications and supplements, along with dosages, as some drugs can affect bladder function. You should also compile a detailed history of past surgeries, even those not directly related to the pelvis, and any relevant family history of pelvic floor disorders.
A symptom diary or a voiding log is a particularly useful tool for the urogynecologist. This record should detail the frequency and volume of urination, episodes of leakage, and any strong urges over a period of at least two to three days. This objective data helps the physician accurately assess the severity and type of your condition, streamlining the diagnostic process.