Urogynaecology

Urogynaecology is a subspecialty of gynaecology. It focuses on female pelvic floor disorders and incorporates some elements of urology. Common conditions treated by urogynaecologists include: 

• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Urinary incontinence
• Bladder pain
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Interstitial cystitis

You can be treated for pelvic floor problems with a regular gynaecologist, but a urogynaecologist can provide that extra understanding of pelvic floor disorders and the best possible treatment options for you.

The cost of your urogynaecological treatment will depend on your personalised care plan (whether surgery is recommended or non-surgical options such as pelvic floor physiotherapy). 

If you are paying for yourself, you will usually be given a fixed-price package, which will include the cost of your treatment as well as all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, your consultant’s outpatient appointment consultation fee as well as the cost of any tests arranged during this will be charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans from 10 months to five years with no deposit required. 

If you have private health insurance, urogynaecology treatment will often be covered by your provider. Speak to your insurer directly to find out.

Urogynaecologists treat a variety of symptoms every day. These vary depending on the condition you live with. For example:

Pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic floor disorder (also known as pelvic floor prolapse) occurs when a pelvic organ drops (prolapses) from its usual place in your lower belly and pushes against the walls of your vagina. Symptoms include a feeling of heaviness around your genitals and tummy, as well as discomfort and numbness during sex.

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence, also known as an overactive bladder or stress urinary incontinence, happens when you regularly leak urine by accident. It can cause feelings of embarrassment and distress, making regular everyday activities and socialising a source of fear instead of enjoyment. 

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include a burning and stinging sensation with you go to the toilet, experiencing the frequent urge to pee, and a feeling of pain and pressure in your tummy. A recurrent UTI is generally defined as three or more UTIs within 12 months, or two or more occurrences within six months.

Bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis)

This relatively poorly understood condition causes symptoms that are like a UTI, but not caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include sudden strong urges to pee, ulcers across your bladder, and severe pelvic pain. 

Urogynaecological treatment can be both non-surgical and surgical. For example, you might need have hormone (oestrogen) treatment to ease symptoms such as vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex. You might also have pelvic floor physiotherapy with a dedicated physiotherapist to help reduce pelvic pain and restore proper function to your pelvic floor. In other cases, surgery will be the best option for you.

Women’s pelvic floor physiotherapy

Women’s health physiotherapy treats many pelvic issues, including incontinence, pelvic pain, vaginal pain, pelvic organ prolapses and more. Your sessions will consist of a series of pelvic exercises built around your needs. The exercises you will be assigned will depend on your condition and related symptoms.

Pelvic floor dysfunction caused by hypotonicity (weak pelvic floor muscles, which can cause a pelvic prolapse) require pelvic floor strengthening exercises, known as kegel exercises. Hypertonic muscles (tight muscles, which can cause interstitial cystitis) require relaxing exercises called reverse kegels or down-training.

Regular home exercises can also be supported by breathing or core strengthening exercises. Your physiotherapist will provide you with a tailored plan and ensure you know exactly how to follow it safely at home. 

Surgery to treat your urogynaecological condition

Some conditions can be treated with surgery, for example prolapse can be treated with pelvic organ prolapse repair surgery, which is typically performed by a gynaecologist or urogynaecologist. Your consultant can use a variety of methods to treat a prolapse, such as surgery to lift and support your pelvic organs by stitching them back into place through the vaginal wall. 

Your consultant will ensure you understand the kind of surgery you are going to have and the process it follows to treat your problem.

Other urogynaecological treatments we offer

Some of the urogynaecological treatments we offer include:

• Bladder botox
• Intraurethral bulking
• Colpocleisis
• Autologous fascial sling
• Colposuspension 
• Bladder instillation with hyaluronate

You'll find a list below of other treatments our urogynaecologists offer. This is not exhaustive, so if you are looking for a particular treatment but don't see it here, do get in touch.

The first step in your journey with us usually begins with a consultation to understand your circumstances and needs. Unless your GP or insurer has told you otherwise, you should book your first appointment with one of our urogynaecological consultants.

You can do this by calling our dedicated team of friendly advisors, or by taking advantage of our easy online booking system.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule
• The freedom to choose your hospital and your consultant
• Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• Tasty and nutritious meals cooked onsite to your dietary requirements
• Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care

If you want to know more about urogynaecology and find out if it's the right treatment for you, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.