What is a Urogynecologist?

A urogynecologist is a physician who has experience in both urology and gynecology. These doctors are OB/GYNs who undergo additional training to be able to treat patients with pelvic floor disorders.

“We see, evaluate, and treat patients with prolapse and incontinence, and partner with urologists, colorectal providers, and gastroenterologists to give each patient the best possible outcome,” said Michelle Chin, MD, a urogynecologist with Rochester Regional Health.

How does a doctor train to be a urogynecologist?

Since 2013, a urogynecologist attends medical school to become a doctor. After graduating, they go on to complete a multi-year residency in urology or gynecology. Once their residency is completed, each future urogynecologist also completes a multi-year fellowship in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS).

Once the fellowship is completed, every urogynecologist takes an exam to become board-certified. The residency and fellowship take approximately seven years to finish, in addition to completing medical school.

What conditions or symptoms do urogynecologists treat?

Urogynecologists will treat symptoms and conditions related to pelvic floor disorders, which may include but are not limited to:

• urinary or fecal incontinence
• urinary frequency/urgency
• pelvic prolapse
• bladder pain
• recurrent UTIs

Patients will schedule a visit with an urogynecologist after a referral from their OB/GYN or primary care provider, but will also find them through locations such as the Pelvic Health Center at Rochester Regional Health.

Often patients come to a urogynecologist because they are not able to do the things they used to do anymore.

“Patients will say they need to know where all the bathrooms are while out shopping, need to dehydrate themselves before going out, can’t jump on the trampoline with their kids or cheer for them at their respective sports games,” Dr. Chin said.

What treatments does a urogynecologist offer?

Depending on the source of a patient’s pelvic floor issues, there are several treatments offered by urogynecologists to help each patient achieve their goals.

For most urinary incontinence concerns, pelvic physical therapy is strongly recommended. It helps with both stress and urge incontinence. Learning to contract and relax the muscles gives patients more control over their bladder and offers more support.

Urogynecologists also help patients using:

• lifestyle changes
• medication management
• minimally invasive surgery
• neuromodulation (blocks nerve signals to reduce involuntary bladder movements)
• pessaries (for prolapse)

As a society, Dr. Chin said there seems to be less stigma in talking about pelvic health concerns openly.

“Maybe it's because of social media and people are being more open about pelvic floor health. But I think women are talking amongst each other and if one woman gets help, she will tell her friends about it too,” Dr. Chin said. “Most people do well and have a significant improvement in their quality of life.”