What We Do

We have extensive training, knowledge and experience in the evaluation and treatment of pelvic floor disorders, providing patients specialized and comprehensive care.

A urogynecology & reconstructive pelvic surgeon, also referred to as a urogynecologist, is an obstetrician/gynecologist (ob/gyn) or urologist who specializes in the care of people with pelvic floor disorders.

The pelvic floor is made up of the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that help support the vagina, uterus, bladder and rectum, and that help control the bladder (urinary continence) and rectum (bowel continence). The pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease or surgery.

Although your primary care physician or general ob/gyn may have knowledge about these conditions, a urogynecologist offers additional expertise. You can see or be referred to a urogynecologist when you have problems of pelvic organ prolapse, troublesome bladder or bowel incontinence, or when your primary doctor recommends consultation.

Other problems for which you or your doctor might consult a urogynecologist include problems with emptying the bladder or rectum, pain/problems in pelvic floor muscle, and the need for special expertise in vaginal surgery.

Specialized care

In the past, patients had to see different physicians to treat problems of the genital tract (vagina and uterus), bladder and bowel. In 2011, the American Board of Medical Specialties approved Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery as a certified subspecialty, and the first doctors in this specialty were board-certified in 2013.

Now, patients can see one physician who is trained in managing the entire pelvic floor.

A urogynecologist’s training requires a medical degree, a residency in either urology or obstetrics and gynecology, and the completion of a three-year fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive pelvic surgery. This is a surgical fellowship concentrating on treatment of pelvic floor disorders.

Our doctors’ additional training focuses on the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of noncancerous gynecologic problems. We are board-certified, trained specialists in the evaluation and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, and the muscles and connective tissue that support the organs.

As physicians at an academic medical center, we also provide a fellowship program for ob/gyn doctors seeking advanced training and specialization in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.