Women's Health

Dyspareunia is a medical condition that describes pain during sexual intercourse. Pain may occur in the genital area, pelvis, or deep inside the body. It can be caused by various factors, including medical conditions, psychological factors, or physical issues. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate the pain and improve sexual satisfaction.

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments can no longer support the pelvic organs, causing them to drop down or protrude into the vaginal canal. This can lead to symptoms such as pelvic pressure, discomfort, urinary incontinence, and difficulty with bowel movements. Treatment options include pelvic floor physical therapy, pessaries, and surgery.

Defecatory dyssynergia is when the muscles and nerves involved in defecation do not work together correctly. It can lead to difficulty passing stool and causes patients to strain excessively during bowel movements. Treatment options may include biofeedback therapy, medication, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

Myofascial pelvic pain refers to chronic pain and discomfort in the pelvic region caused by trigger points in the pelvic floor's muscles and connective tissue (fascia). It can often be mistaken for other conditions, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, and can be difficult to diagnose. Treatment may involve physical therapy, trigger point injections, or other interventions.

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, resulting in the involuntary leakage of stool from the rectum. Various factors, including muscle or nerve damage, diarrhea, or constipation can cause it. Treatment options include medication, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery.

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages, genders, and races. There are several types of urinary incontinence, including stress, urge, overflow, and mixed incontinence. Treatment options depend on the type and severity of incontinence and may include behavioral therapies, medications, medical devices, or surgery.

Overactive bladder is a condition where the bladder muscle contracts involuntarily, causing the need to urinate frequently and urgently, often leading to incontinence. It can be caused by nerve problems or muscle weakness, and treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and bladder training exercises.

Genitourinary fistula is a medical condition that occurs when there is an abnormal opening between the urinary and genital tract. This can result in uncontrollable leakage of urine or feces through the vagina, penis, or rectum. Cases of genitourinary fistula often occur due to prolonged or obstructed labor during childbirth, pelvic surgery, or radiation treatment. If left untreated, the condition can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and long-term health complications.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition that causes pain and frequent urination. It is also known as painful bladder syndrome. The exact cause of IC is unknown, but it is believed to be related to bladder lining inflammation. Treatment options include bladder training, medication, and surgery.

Neurogenic bladder is the lack of bladder control due to brain, spinal cord, or nerve problems. This can result in urinary tract infections, leakage of urine, urinary incontinence, or the inability to empty the bladder. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery.

Urinary diversion is a surgical procedure that creates a new way for urine to exit your body when urine flow is blocked or when there is a need to bypass a diseased area in the urinary tract. The urinary tract is your body's drainage system for removing urine made of waste and extra fluid. There are various reasons that a patient may need a urinary diversion, the most common being bladder cancer that requires the removal of the bladder – a procedure called a cystectomy.

One of the problems most treated by urologists is urinary tract infection or UTI. These infections, which can occur in the upper and lower urinary tracts, are often found in women. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics. The choice of medicine depends on the patient's general health and the bacteria found in a urine test.

Strictures are the narrowing or scarring of the urethra associated with abnormal, unhealthy tissue. Typically, they are caused by trauma due to straddle injuries, the passage of stones, or frequent catheterization or cystoscopic exploration. Management of urethral stricture disease is determined by the location, length, and, usually, the pathologic cause (trauma versus infection).

Urethral diverticulum (UD) is a condition where a small bulging "pocket" or outpouching forms next to the urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder to outside your body. Because it typically connects to the urethra, this outpouching gets filled with urine during voiding. While careful observation and medications may be appropriate in some cases, treatment typically involves surgical excision.

Urethral prolapse is when the inner lining of your urethra sticks out. Symptoms may include pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or pain during urination. Treatment may be surgical or non-surgical.

A urethral caruncle is a small, benign growth outside your urethra. Urethral caruncles aren't dangerous and don't require treatment unless you have painful symptoms.

A Skene’s gland cyst is a cyst that's located near the urethral opening. Cysts, or sacs of tissue, are generally filled with fluid. Skene’s gland cysts are rare. They may or may not cause symptoms but can sometimes be filled with pus. Some cases do not require medical intervention, but if the cyst is causing painful symptoms your medical provider might suggest surgical removal of the cyst.

A vaginal mesh procedure is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, the sagging or falling of pelvic organs due to weakened support muscles. Complications from this procedure can include infections, vaginal scarring, perforation of nearby organs, urinary problems, and the return of pelvic organ prolapse.

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a common and underreported condition associated with decreased estrogenization of the vaginal tissue. Symptoms include dryness, irritation, soreness, and dyspareunia with urinary frequency, urgency, and urge incontinence.

Vaginal Atrophy is when the vaginal walls become thin, dry, and inflamed due to a decline in estrogen in a woman's body, typically brought on by menopause. Treatment options for women experiencing symptoms and seeking relief include non-hormonal treatments, topical estrogen therapy, and hormone treatment.