When Should You See a Urogynecologist?
Understanding When Specialized Pelvic Floor Care May Be Needed
Many women experience symptoms such as urinary leakage, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, or a feeling that something is falling out of the vagina and wonder whether these issues are simply part of aging, childbirth, or menopause.
While some pelvic floor symptoms are common, they should never be ignored.
A urogynecologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating pelvic floor disorders, including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and other conditions affecting the bladder, vagina, uterus, and pelvic floor muscles.
Knowing when to seek care from a urogynecologist can help women better understand their symptoms and explore treatment options that may improve their quality of life.
What Is a Urogynecologist?
A urogynecologist is an OB/GYN who completes additional fellowship training in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS).
This specialized training focuses on:
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Reconstructive pelvic surgery
- Recurrent prolapse
- Vaginal mesh complications
Urogynecologists evaluate both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for women experiencing pelvic floor disorders.
Signs You Should See a Urogynecologist
You Feel a Vaginal Bulge
One of the most common reasons women seek urogynecology care is the sensation of a bulge within the vagina.
Women may describe symptoms such as:
- Something falling out
- A lump in the vagina
- Pelvic heaviness
- Pressure that worsens throughout the day
These symptoms may indicate pelvic organ prolapse.
You Experience Urinary Leakage
Many women assume urinary leakage is simply a normal part of aging.
However, urinary incontinence is often treatable.
Common symptoms include:
- Leakage when coughing
- Leakage when sneezing
- Leakage when laughing
- Leakage during exercise
- Leakage when lifting
These symptoms may indicate stress urinary incontinence.
You Frequently Feel an Urgent Need to Urinate
Women with overactive bladder often experience:
- Sudden urgency
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty reaching the bathroom in time
- Nighttime urination
These symptoms may significantly affect daily life and sleep quality.
You Have Difficulty Emptying Your Bladder
Pelvic floor disorders can sometimes interfere with bladder emptying.
Symptoms may include:
- Weak urinary stream
- Straining to urinate
- Feeling that the bladder never completely empties
- Frequent urinary tract infections
These symptoms deserve evaluation.
You Have Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Frequent urinary tract infections may sometimes be related to:
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
A urogynecologist can help determine whether an underlying pelvic floor condition may be contributing to recurring infections.
You Have Pelvic Pressure or Heaviness
Women often describe:
- Pressure in the pelvis
- Heaviness when standing
- Symptoms worsening later in the day
- Discomfort during exercise
These symptoms may indicate weakening of the pelvic floor support structures.
Your Prolapse Symptoms Are Getting Worse
Pelvic organ prolapse may gradually progress over time.
Women often seek consultation when symptoms begin interfering with:
- Exercise
- Work
- Travel
- Intimacy
- Daily comfort
Early evaluation can help women better understand available treatment options.
You Have Had Previous Prolapse Surgery
Many women seek a urogynecology consultation after:
- Previous prolapse surgery
- Persistent symptoms
- Recurrent prolapse
- Questions regarding treatment options
Second opinions are common and often provide valuable information.
You Have Had Prior Incontinence Surgery
Women who continue experiencing urinary leakage following previous treatment may benefit from specialized evaluation.
A urogynecologist can help determine potential causes and discuss available options.
You Have Concerns About Vaginal Mesh
Women who have undergone previous mesh or sling procedures sometimes seek consultation for:
- Pain
- Exposure
- Erosion
- Persistent symptoms
- Questions regarding mesh management
Evaluation by a fellowship-trained urogynecologist may help clarify available options.
What Conditions Does a Urogynecologist Treat?
Common conditions include:
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Bladder prolapse (cystocele)
- Rectocele
- Uterine prolapse
- Vaginal vault prolapse
- Enterocele
Urinary Incontinence
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Urge incontinence
- Mixed incontinence
Overactive Bladder
- Urinary urgency
- Frequency
- Nocturia
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Conditions affecting the muscles and connective tissues supporting the pelvic organs.
Recurrent Prolapse
Women whose symptoms return after previous surgery often seek specialized care.
Why Women Choose Dr. John Miklos and Dr. Robert Moore
For more than two decades, Dr. John Miklos and Dr. Robert Moore have focused their practice on Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.
Their practice evaluates women experiencing:
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Recurrent prolapse
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Vaginal mesh complications
- Previous failed pelvic floor surgery
Both physicians completed advanced fellowship training in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery and continue to provide specialized care for women throughout Georgia and the Southeast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a urogynecologist?
Referral requirements vary depending on insurance coverage.
Can a urogynecologist help with urinary leakage?
Yes. Urinary incontinence is one of the most common conditions treated by urogynecologists.
Do all women with prolapse need surgery?
No. Many women successfully manage symptoms through non-surgical treatment options.
Can a urogynecologist provide a second opinion?
Yes. Many women seek consultation before making treatment decisions or after previous surgery.
Is it normal to leak urine after childbirth?
While common, urinary leakage is not something women simply have to accept. Evaluation may help identify treatment options.
What is the difference between an OB/GYN and a urogynecologist?
A urogynecologist completes additional fellowship training focused specifically on pelvic floor disorders and reconstructive surgery.
Serving Women Throughout Metro Atlanta and Georgia
Patients frequently travel from:
- Atlanta
- Alpharetta
- Roswell
- Johns Creek
- Sandy Springs
- Milton
- Duluth
- Suwanee
- Marietta
- Kennesaw
- Woodstock
- Canton
- Cumming
- Gainesville
- Lawrenceville
- East Cobb
Many women also travel from throughout Georgia and the Southeast seeking specialized pelvic floor care.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing pelvic pressure, urinary leakage, prolapse symptoms, overactive bladder, or other pelvic floor concerns, consultation with a fellowship-trained urogynecologist can help you better understand your condition and treatment options.
Dr. John Miklos and Dr. Robert Moore proudly provide specialized urogynecology care for women throughout Atlanta, Georgia, and the Southeast.