Urogynecological conditions

I specialize in diagnosing and treating pelvic floor disorders in women. Here are the conditions I see most often.

Pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is when the bladder, uterus, top of the vagina, or rectum drops from its normal position and presses into the vagina, sometimes past the opening. It happens when the muscles and connective tissue that support these organs stretch or weaken. Most women notice a bulge or a feeling of pressure.

Urinary incontinence

Involuntary leakage of urine. The main types are:

Overactive bladder (OAB)

Sudden urges to urinate that are hard to control, with or without leaking. Most people with OAB also urinate often during the day and wake up at night to go.

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Recurrent UTI means at least two bladder infections in 6 months, each confirmed with a urine culture. I look for what is driving the infections and build a prevention plan with you.

Interstitial cystitis / painful bladder syndrome

Now often called bladder pain syndrome. It causes pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder, often worse as the bladder fills, and usually comes with urinary frequency and urgency. The diagnosis requires symptoms for at least 3 months with no other cause, such as infection, found.

Fecal incontinence

The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool. You may also hear it called accidental bowel leakage.

Vaginal fistulas

Abnormal connections between the vagina and other pelvic organs (like the bladder or rectum) that can cause leakage of urine or stool into the vagina.

Pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain has many possible causes. In my patients it often overlaps with other pelvic floor problems, such as tight or painful pelvic floor muscles, bladder pain, or pain with intercourse.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

Previously called vaginal atrophy. GSM covers the vaginal, vulvar, and urinary changes caused by falling estrogen during and after menopause: vaginal dryness, irritation, painful intercourse, urinary urgency and frequency, burning with urination, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

References

  • Haylen BT, Maher CF, Barber MD, et al. An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) / International Continence Society (ICS) Joint Report on the Terminology for Female Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). Neurourology and Urodynamics. 2016. doi:10.1002/nau.22922
  • Anger J, Lee U, Ackerman AL, et al. Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women: AUA/CUA/SUFU Guideline (2019, Confirmed 2022, Amended 2025). American Urological Association / Canadian Urological Association / SUFU. 2019.
  • Khullar V, Jain A, Chrysostomou A, et al. Joint Terminology Report: Terminology Standardization for Female Bladder Pain Syndrome. Urogynecology. 2025. doi:10.1097/SPV.0000000000001591
  • Kaufman MR, Ackerman AL, Amin KA, et al. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: AUA/SUFU/AUGS Guideline. American Urological Association. 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pelvic organ prolapse? Pelvic organ prolapse is when the bladder, uterus, top of the vagina, or rectum drops from its normal position and presses into the vagina, sometimes past the opening. It happens when the muscles and connective tissue that support these organs stretch or weaken. Most women notice a bulge or a feeling of pressure.
What are the different types of urinary incontinence? There are several types of urinary incontinence: - Stress incontinence: leakage during physical activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. - Urge incontinence: a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. - Mixed incontinence: a combination of stress and urge incontinence.
What is overactive bladder (OAB)? OAB means sudden, hard-to-control urges to urinate, with or without leaking. Most people with OAB also go often during the day and wake up at night to urinate (nocturia).
What is interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome? Interstitial cystitis, now often called bladder pain syndrome, is pain, pressure, or discomfort you feel in the bladder, often worse as the bladder fills. To make the diagnosis, symptoms have to last at least 3 months and other causes, such as infection, have to be ruled out. Urinary frequency and urgency are common with it.
What is fecal incontinence? Fecal incontinence, also called accidental bowel leakage, is the inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool.
What are vaginal fistulas? Vaginal fistulas are abnormal connections between the vagina and other pelvic organs (such as the bladder or rectum) that can cause leakage of urine or stool into the vagina.
What is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)? GSM, previously called vaginal atrophy, covers the vaginal, vulvar, and urinary changes caused by falling estrogen during and after menopause. Symptoms include vaginal dryness, irritation, painful intercourse, urinary urgency and frequency, burning with urination, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Can pelvic floor disorders be treated? Yes. Most pelvic floor disorders have several treatment options, including pelvic floor physical therapy, medications, devices, and surgery. After an evaluation, we go through the options together and pick the one that fits your symptoms and goals.

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The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.

Page last modified: Nov 5 2026.