Urogynecological care in Houston
Our urogynecologists work to promote your pelvic health and overall quality of life.
The Woman's Hospital of Texas is proud to be one of the only facilities in the region providing comprehensive urogynecological care. We treat your condition like the unique one that it is, with advanced medical practices intended to meet whatever your pelvic health needs may be.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Urogynecological conditions we treat
Our team uses advanced technology and techniques to treat pelvic health conditions such as:
- Bladder fistula
- Incontinence
- Pelvic or sexual pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Recurrent bladder infection
Urogynecological care we offer
We can address your pelvic health disorders using both nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatments.
Pelvic floor disorders
Women are uniquely susceptible to pelvic floor disorders that may lead to incontinence, prolapse, sexual dysfunction and lower back pain. These disorders affect women’s pelvic organs, as well as the muscles that surround and support them. Any medical conditions or injuries that have an impact on the health of nerves can also weaken the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments.
Women and men may experience pelvic pain for a variety of reasons, but these syndromes are typically separated into three categories:
- Myofascial – When the muscles of the pelvic floor become tense, weak, shortened or uncoordinated. Scars and fascia tightness may contribute to additional discomfort.
- Nerve-related – When the pudendal nerve is compressed, causing perineal or rectal pain. Injuries during childbirth, prolonged pressure on the pelvic floor or prolonged sitting and bicycling are common causes of nerve-related syndromes.
- Organ-related – These disorders bring about pain that originates primarily from an organ, such as the vulva, bladder, bowel or uterus. Common medical diagnoses are vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, endometriosis, irritable bowel or menstrual pain.
Incontinence
It is not uncommon for women to experience some type of bladder incontinence during their lifetime. Types of incontinence can include:
- Stress incontinence – Defined by an involuntary loss of urine with physical exertion, including coughing, sneezing, getting up from a chair, laughing and exercising.
- Urge incontinence – When loss of urine occurs with a strong desire to urinate, but an inability to get to the bathroom in time.
- Mixed incontinence – A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
- Incomplete voiding – When the bladder is not emptying as fully as it should.
Prolapse
Common causes of prolapse include childbirth, hysterectomy, obesity, aging, chronic asthma or constipation. Women may feel or see tissues coming out of the opening of their vagina or rectum, or can experience mild symptoms that are vague and nonspecific. These can include a feeling of pelvic heaviness or pressure either all of the time, after a long day on their feet or after exercising.
While not life-threatening, prolapse causes significant quality of life issues. It also commonly occurs with other pelvic floor disorders, including urinary or anal incontinence, constipation or overactive bladder.
Treatment for pelvic floor disorders
Our team works to treat pelvic floor disorders through behavioral physical therapy, surgery and medication. We have been accredited by the National Association for Continence as a Center of Excellence in Continence Care for Women (COECCW), recognizing our superior standard of urogynecology care.
Specialized treatment options for prolapse include the use of watchful waiting, pessaries or surgery. If you are experiencing incontinence, we may recommend pelvic floor therapy, physical therapy or minimally invasive surgery.
Pelvic floor therapy
Through our physical therapy department, we offer nonsurgical options for pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, sexual pain, scar pain and both fecal and urinary incontinence. Our therapists will work with you to determine the best possible treatment for your condition.
Physical therapy starts with evaluation, then, based on these findings, you will get a personalized plan of care designed to meet your goals. Treatment is directed towards relieving pain and tension in these muscles and may include manual therapy, biofeedback, cold laser therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound or exercise.
Surgical intervention
We hold an accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS), as well as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG).
By using minimally invasive surgical techniques, you will typically experience a faster recovery time and minimal scarring. Some procedures can even be completed on an outpatient basis. Our center offers the latest minimally invasive treatments for individuals with bladder or bowel control issues, pelvic or sexual pain and pelvic organ prolapse.