Urogynecology Care

Vulvodynia most commonly is described as burning, stinging, irritation, and rawness. Aching, soreness, throbbing, and swelling also may be felt. The entire vulva may be painful, or pain may be centered in a specific area. Symptoms of vulvodynia may be constant, or they may come and go. Symptoms can start and stop without warning, or they may occur only when the area is touched.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is urine leakage with physical activity, such as exercise, or when coughing, laughing, or sneezing. It is a common problem in women. SUI can be treated with both non-surgical and surgical treatment methods.

Chronic pelvic pain is a pain in the pelvic area that lasts for six months or longer. Chronic pain can come and go, or it can be constant. Sometimes chronic pelvic pain follows a regular cycle. For example, it may occur during menstruation. It also can occur only at certain times, such as before or after eating, while urinating, or during sex.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) happens when one or more pelvic organs (the vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra, small intestine, and rectum) drop from their normal position. It’s caused by a weak pelvic floor, the collection of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that hold these organs in place.

When a pelvic organ drops, it may bulge into another organ. In some cases, the organ may protrude out of the vagina. Women may accidentally leak urine or bowel contents (stool), or their vagina may make noises during exercise or sex. These symptoms and others can be isolating. Some women don’t seek treatment until they start having severe bladder, bowel, or sexual function problems.