Frequently asked questions
Q: What is Urogynaecology?
A: The field of urogynaecology is a unique combination of urology and gynaecology to deal with complex pelvic floor issues of women.
Q: Who is a Urogynaecologist?
A: A urogynaecologist is a doctor who specialises in managing pelvic floor disorders in women. This includes pelvic organ prolapse, urinary/faecal incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, chronic pelvic pain and female sexual dysfunction.
Q: What is the pelvic floor?
A: Pelvic floor is a system of muscles, ligaments and tissues that support the bladder, urethra, uterus, vagina, small bowel and rectum in the pelvic area.
Q: What is pelvic organ prolapse?
A: Due to weakening of its support, sometimes the pelvic organs like bladder, uterus, rectum can be displaced (drops down) from their normal position and cause a bulge in the vagina. This is known as pelvic organ prolapse.
Q: What are the types of pelvic organ prolapse?
A: Cystocele – bladder dropping down in the vagina
Rectocele – rectum bulging in the vagina
Enterocele – small bowel bulgin through the vagina
Vault prolapse – vaginal bulge noted following hysterectomy (Removal of uterus)
Uterine prolapse – uterus dropping down from its normal position
Q: What is urinary incontinence?
A: Urinary incontinence is the inability to control leakage of urine. There are different types of urine incontinence and treatment depends on the type you have.
Q: What is faecal incontinence?
A: Faecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing faeces to leak from the rectum. This can happen when you feel an urge and cannot get to the bathroom in time or sometimes you may pass faeces in your underwear without knowing.
Q: What is overactive bladder?
A: It is the uncontrollable urge to go to the toilet to pass urine or having the frequent need to urinate.
Q: What is stress urinary incontinence?
A: It is the leakage of urine on coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising.
Q: What is bladder pain syndrome?
A: It is a condition that causes bladder pain, pressure or discomfort. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can happen infrequently or all the time.
Q: What are the treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse?
A: Treatment depends on the symptoms and how badly they affect your quality of life. Pessaries, physiotherapy (pelvic floor exercises) and hormonal treatment are non surgical ways of managing the prolapse. Surgery may be required in some cases – this can be done vaginally (no scar) or abdominally and may involve removal of the uterus in some cases.
Q: What is the treatment for urinary incontinence?
A: Dr Lakshmi almost always recommends pelvic floor exercises in the first instance. Medical treatment is also effective in many cases of overactive bladder. Surgery is usually advised as the last option if none of the other methods work.