Our providers help women from throughout the Greater San Diego area manage urology and urogynecology issues by offering state-of-the-art treatments and procedures focused on female urology, including issues affecting the pelvic floor and bladder and kidney health at San Diego Urology Associates.
Request an AppointmentWhat is female urology?
Female urology is a medical specialty focused on the bladder, kidneys and other structures of the urinary system as well as pelvic floor disorders that contribute to incontinence, prolapse, painful intercourse and other issues. The pelvic floor is a complex system of structures including muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues that work to support the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum, promoting proper function. Pelvic floor disorders involve damage and injury to these structures that result in weakness and dysfunction.
What are pelvic floor disorders?
Common pelvic floor disorders include:
- urinary incontinence
- fecal incontinence
- difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder
- vaginal prolapse, a condition where the vagina falls forward and causes painful pressure in the vaginal canal
- persistent and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- painful intercourse
- pelvic pain
What causes pelvic floor disorders?
Pelvic floor disorders occur as a result of trauma to the pelvic floor structures, including injury due to accidents or following surgery. They also often occur in women who have given birth when the pressures of the growing uterus and forces exerted during childbirth cause the pelvic floor muscles to become damaged. Obesity can also contribute to the development of pelvic floor disorders.
How are pelvic floor disorders treated?
Today, there are many treatments available for pelvic floor issues including incontinence. Medications, exercise therapy and special nerve stimulation techniques designed to address overactive bladder may all be used depending on your symptoms and the medical issue causing those symptoms. Your treatment plan will be developed based on your unique medical needs and personal preferences.
Why are women more prone to UTIs?
Women experience far more UTIs than men thanks to the differences in their anatomies that make it much easier for bacteria and other pathogens to invade the female urinary tract. Most UTIs can be cleared up with a single course of antibiotics.