Urogynaecology is a sub-speciality of women’s medicine, treating pelvic floor disorders and bladder problems that usually accompany them. It includes diseases such as urine incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, issues that concern women’s pelvic health but are outside the scope of normal gynaecology.

A pelvic floor expert, or urogynaecologist, has additional training to diagnose and treat these structural issues, care that standard gynaecology isn’t specifically geared to deliver.

This Zivah guide explains how these conditions are diagnosed, the treatment options (from conservative treatment to surgical repair), and the clinical approaches our professionals use to restore comfort and control.See how the right subspecialist can turn severe pelvic discomfort into durable, predictable recovery.

What Is Urogynaecology and What Does a Urogynaecologist Treat?

Urogynaecology is a specialised area of women's health that combines gynaecology with female urology. It's located in the pelvic floor, the muscles and tissues that support the uterus, bowel and bladder.

So what does a urogynaecologist treat? Mostly urine incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, recurrent UTIs and pelvic floor dysfunction, the conditions included under female pelvic medicine. At Zivah, a professional pelvic floor specialist takes care of all of these through a clear, unified process: diagnosis, treatment, and recovery in one place.

Difference Between a Gynaecologist and a Urogynaecologist

The simplest approach to explain the difference is as follows. A gynaecologist is the doctor you visit for everyday women's health, such as periods, pregnancy and periodic checkups.

A urogynecologist is a step above another doctor because they are trained in female urology and pelvic floor surgery. So when would you see a urogynaecologist? When symptoms of bladder prolapse or pelvic floor issues keep coming back, and normal gynaecological care is not helping.

Gynaecologist vs Urogynaecologist: Scope of Care

Common Urogynaecology Conditions Treated at Zivah

A large number of urogynaecological problems are common illnesses, and almost all are curable. Here are the most common pelvic floor issues we see and treat at Zivah, and the first steps we usually take.

One clue: If you have strong urges to urinate, a sense of pressure or fullness, or you get UTIs repeatedly, these are all solid reasons to consult a professional for female pelvic floor disease treatment.

1. Urinary Incontinence in Women

One of the most common reasons women see a urogynaecologist is urinary incontinence, or spilling pee when you don’t mean to. There are a few types, and each has its own treatment for urinary incontinence in women. Everyday pressure leaks. Coughing, sneezing, laughing or activity.

• Stress Urinary Incontinence: Stress urinary incontinence is usually first treated with physiotherapy of the pelvic floor and, if necessary, a minimally invasive sling to support the bladder outflow.
• Urge Incontinence and Overactive Bladder:  A sudden, hard-to-control need to go, sometimes with leaking before you get it to the toilet. Treatment for overactive bladder in women centres on bladder retraining, lifestyle changes and medication, with Botox injections for persistent instances.
• Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge feelings. When treating mixed urinary incontinence, the first focus is on the type that is of most concern to you, and this generally involves a combination of physiotherapy and bladder-calming treatment.

2. Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse takes place when the muscles that support the pelvic floor deteriorate, and an organ falls out of its usual position. It commonly feels like a bulge or heaviness in the vagina.

The most common kinds are cystocele (bladder), rectocele (rectum), uterine prolapse, and vaginal vault prolapse, which can occur after a hysterectomy. Pelvic organ prolapse treatment depends on how advanced it is and may include pelvic floor therapy, a pessary or surgical vaginal prolapse correction.

3. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Recurrent UTIs

Sometimes the muscles of the pelvic floor don't relax or contract in the right way; that's pelvic floor dysfunction, and it can cause pain, poor bladder control or constipation. Pelvic floor dysfunction treatment involves retraining these muscles with physiotherapy and biofeedback, rather than surgery, a crucial choice in treatment for weak pelvic floor muscles.

Recurrent urinary tract infections in women can also indicate an underlying pelvic problem; therefore, we look for the cause rather than merely treating each infection as it arises.

4. Other Urogynaecological Conditions Managed

We also include less frequent but important conditions:

1. Genitourinary fistula - an abnormal opening between the bladder (or other organ) and the vagina, generally fixed with surgery.
2. Vulvodynia and chronic pelvic pain - long-term discomforts in the vulvar or pelvic area that are treated with a personalised, often non-surgical approach.
3. Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) - damage to the anal sphincter during childbirth that is treated with focused muscle treatment or repair.

Urogynaecology Conditions and Key Indicators

Not sure if any of these fit your symptoms? A pelvic floor assessment at Zivah can diagnose the problem and plan out your options. Request yours today.

How Are Pelvic Floor Disorders Diagnosed at Zivah?

Symptoms of pelvic floor disorders are urine leakage, sudden urge to urinate, vaginal bulge or heaviness, recurrent UTIs, and pelvic pain or discomfort. So how can you diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction? At Zivah, it’s a simple process, step-by-step, no guesswork.

1. Step one is a consultation, where we discuss your symptoms, medical history, and how they affect your day-to-day life.
2. Next, you’ll have a physical exam, basically a pelvic floor exam, to check for muscle strength and support and to look for any signs of prolapse.
3. If the picture is not clear enough, we switch to specialised testing for an accurate diagnosis of urine leakage.

So, what tests does a urogynaecologist perform? The most frequent are given below.Each test answers a specific question, so we only recommend those that will actually help diagnose you.

Urogynaecology Diagnostic Tests and What They Assess

Urogynaecology Treatment Options for Women

Urogynaecology treatment for women ranges from simple, non-surgical treatment to advanced surgery. There is no one right choice that works for everyone. We do this based on how severe your symptoms are, the level of any prolapse, and your goals for daily living.

If you’re seeking urinary incontinence treatments for women or prolapse repair, you’ll find that pelvic floor treatment most often begins conservatively, surgery is only recommended when it’s the best method to provide you with sustainable bladder control.

1. Non-Surgical and Conservative Pelvic Floor Treatment

Many women get better without any surgery. Is there a way to treat pelvic organ prolapse without surgery? Yes, often. Especially in the less severe cases. The primary conservative choices are:

• Pelvic floor muscle training, or Kegels - strengthens the muscles that support your bladder and bowel.
• Women’s pelvic floor treatment with Biofeedback – physiotherapy combining Biofeedback to re-train weak or hyperactive muscles.
• Bladder-irritant management – avoid triggers such as caffeine and alcohol to decrease urgency.
• Medicines - treat an overactive bladder or minimise leakage.
• Pessary fitting for prolapse – a tiny support device that is put in the vagina to retain organs in position.

All these are the basis of pelvic floor rehabilitation.

2. Minimally Invasive Surgery and Recovery Outlook

If conservative care is not enough, surgery can be a permanent solution, and at Zivah, we prefer the least invasive surgical options possible.

Most pelvic organ prolapse surgery is now done laparoscopically through small incisions, and this is the recommended approach for minimally invasive prolapse surgery. In more difficult situations, pelvic floor support is restored. The minimally invasive method usually means, compared with open surgery:

• Less discomfort after surgery
• Reduced risk of wound infection
• A reduced hospital stay Return to daily life sooner

And recovery after a prolapse surgery? Most women return to light daily activities in a few weeks, with full healing and resumption of activity guided by your surgeon.

Urogynaecology Surgical Procedures Offered

Zivah offers a complete spectrum of pelvic floor surgery techniques, each selected to address a particular condition. The goal is always the same: restore support, improve bladder control and treat symptoms with the least disruption feasible.

You don't have to understand the technical nuances to make a selection; your professional will tell you what is suitable for you (Each technique is described in detail on our procedure pages. Here's a quick visual of which procedures handle what, from repair of pelvic organ prolapse to complete pelvic reconstruction.

Urogynaecology Surgical Procedures by Condition

Pelvic Floor Health, Pregnancy and Fertility

Pregnancy and childbirth are tough on the pelvic floor, which is where Zivah's combined fertility, obstetric and urogynaecology care works in your benefit. Your pelvic floor health for pregnancy starts before you're pregnant. Strong, working muscles help you get through pregnancy and recover better afterwards.

During pregnancy, a growing baby puts strain on the bladder and pelvic floor, so early advice helps you avoid difficulties further down the line. Many women discover bladder difficulties after delivery, including leaking, urgency or a feeling of heaviness, for the first time after giving birth. It's common and highly treatable.

Our postpartum pelvic floor treatment and post-birth urine incontinence treatment get you back in control with continued women's continence care for the long term. Your fertility, pregnancy and pelvic floor care are all under one roof at Zivah, and nothing gets handed off or lost between teams.

When Should You See a Urogynaecologist?

You don't have to live with pelvic floor problems, and you don't need a referral to access care. So how can you know when you need to see a pelvic floor specialist? If you experience any of the following, book a urogynaecology consultation:

• Cough, laugh, sneeze or exercise and leak urine
• A sudden or frequent need to go to the toilet
• A feeling of bulging, pressure or heaviness in the vagina
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Pain during intercourse or chronic pelvic pain
• Changes in bowel or bladder function after delivery

If any of these sound familiar, that's your answer on when to see a urogynaecologist; sooner is always easier to treat. Looking for a specialist in urogynaecology near me? Book your appointment today with Zivah's pelvic floor team.

Why Choose Zivah for Urogynaecology Treatment

The right urogynaecology clinic can make all the difference to your experience and your results; here’s what you can expect at Zivah. Your care is led by specialists. A clear approach from diagnosis and assessment through to treatment and recovery, guided by a professional female bladder health specialist, so nothing is rushed or missed.

We provide the full range of urogynaecological procedures, including minimally invasive surgery based on the latest advances in female pelvic medicine.

Most importantly, your pelvic health is never handled in isolation. We work side by side with our gynaecology, fertility and continence departments to provide joined-up and consistent women’s pelvic health treatment.