How to approach common urogynaecological problems?

Abstract

Urogynaecology is dedicated to the treatment of women with pelvic floor dysfunction such as urinary orfecal incontinence and prolapse (bulging or falling) of the vagina, bladder and/or the uterus. Pelvic organ prolapse simply means displacement from the normal position. On average, 11% of women will undergo surgery for this condition. Pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP-Q) is an objective, site-specific system for describing the anatomic position that can be used to determine the stage of the prolapse. Urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) is a very common condition affecting at least 10-20% of women under age 65 and up to 56% of women over the age of 65. The most common subtypes of urinary incontinence are (1) stress urinary incontinence (SUI) ; (2) urge urinary incontinence (UUI) ; and (3) mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Patients presenting with symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence should undergo a thorough medical evaluation consisting of a targeted history (include bladder diary or voiding diary), physical examination, urinalysis and urine culture, and postvoid residual volume (PVRV) by pelvic ultrasound. Treatment options for patients with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence are nonsurgical (lifestyle interventions, pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, and pessary placement) and surgical management.