Like the name suggests, a urogynecologist is a specialist in both urology and gynecology. They’re experts in pelvic floor disorders in people assigned female at birth (AFAB). They treat bladder control issues, fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
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A urogynecologist is a doctor who specializes in pelvic floor disorders in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Your pelvic floor consists of muscles and connective tissues that support the organs in your reproductive system, including your uterus and vagina. These muscles also support organs in your urinary system, like your bladder.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Weakened or injured pelvic floor muscles can cause problems with how these organs (and these systems) work. When this happens, it’s a good idea to see a urogynecologist.
Like the name suggests, a “uro-gynecologist” diagnoses and treats conditions that overlap with those that urologists and gynecologists treat. Depending on your condition, these providers may work together to treat you:
While urology and gynecology are specialties that have been around for years, urogynecology wasn’t officially recognized as a specialty area until 2011. Doctors started receiving certifications in urogynecology (officially “female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery”) in 2013.
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After medical school, urogynecologists-in-training complete a residency in either gynecology or urology. Some programs allow residents to receive training in both. Afterward, they complete a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS).
After the fellowship, urogynecologists must pass an exam to become board-certified.
Becoming a urogynecologist can take up to seven additional years after graduating from medical school.
Urogynecologists diagnose and treat pelvic floor disorders. While pelvic floor disorders can affect anyone regardless of sex, most of the conditions urogynecologists treat reflect the unique experiences of women or people AFAB. For example, pregnancy, vaginal deliveries and menopause are all risk factors for developing a pelvic floor disorder.
Some of the common pelvic floor disorders urogynecologists treat include:
To treat pelvic floor conditions, urogynecologists:
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You may want to see a urogynecologist if:
Seeing a urogynecologist is a good idea if you’d feel comfortable in a more gender-exclusive space. Incontinence issues and POP are private matters for most people. It can feel comforting to see a provider who exclusively treats people with anatomy like yours and understands your conditions. It can make the waiting room experience feel less intimidating — regardless of the reason you’ve scheduled the appointment.
Your experience depends on the reason for your visit. In most cases:
Based on their findings, they’ll recommend treatments or additional tests needed for a diagnosis.
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Questions to ask include:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
It’s easy to take the muscle control that enables basic bodily functions like peeing and pooping for granted — until there’s an issue. It can be alarming and embarrassing to dribble pee when you weren’t before or to feel unfamiliar fullness in your vagina.
Urogynecologists understand the concern. They’re experts at pinpointing the problem in your pelvic floor and identifying the best treatments that can help you. They’ve likely worked with people with experiences very similar to yours. If you’re having issues, you can ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a urogynecologist, or you can schedule an appointment yourself.
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Last reviewed on 10/30/2023.
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