Urogynecology

Urogynecology is a surgical sub-specialty of urology and gynecology.

Education

Gynecologists who practice this sub-specialty are called urogynecologists and urologists who practice this sub-specialty are called female urologists. Urogynecologists have completed medical school and a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology. Female urologists have completed medical school and a five-year residency in urology. These doctors become specialists with additional training and experience in the evaluation and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, and the muscles and connective tissue that support the organs. The additional training focuses on the surgical and non-surgical treatment of non-cancerous gynecologic problems. [1]

A few practitioners have completed a board-accredited fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery after completing a residency in urology or obstetrics and gynecology. The first fellowship received accreditation in 1996. [2] As of January 2010, there were 30 fellowship programs approved by both the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Board of Urology. [3] These fellowships are three-years for obstetrician-gynecologists and two-years for urologists. Thus, the combined duration of training for female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery is seven years after medical school for both urologists and gynecologists.

Scope of practice

Urogynecology involves the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence and female pelvic floor disorders.

"There is no more distressing lesion than urinary incontinence-A constant dribbling of the repulsive urine soaking the clothes which cling wet and cold to the thighs, making the patient offensive to herself and her family and ostracizing her from society"–Howard A.Kelly, M.D,1928

Disorders of the bladder and bowel

sexual dysfunction

severely impair Quality of life (QOL)

25-70% of adult women suffer from urinary incontinence

20% from genital prolapse

External links

• Mayo Clinic Division of Urogynecology [4] Description of problems that involve urogynecology.
• Guide to Learning in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery [5] Learning objectives for accredited fellowships in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Retrieved 2010-08-12.