Urogynaecology: what it is, what it’s for and principal disorders

Involuntary urine leakage can happen when a person laughs, coughs, runs, or even at rest. For many women, this is an embarrassing situation that limits social life, intimacy and emotional wellbeing. Although this is a common condition, it is not discussed openly. However, there are effective treatments, from exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, to minimally invasive techniques that help regain control and confidence. 

Prolapse occurs when organs like the bladder, uterus or rectum drop from their normal position, causing a feeling of fullness or pressure in the vagina. Some women feel discomfort when standing, during physical exertion or sexual intercourse. Although this condition is more common after childbirth or with menopause, it can occur at any stage of life. Today there are options ranging from pelvic physiotherapy to non-invasive surgeries that correct the problem and restore quality of life. 

Cystitis is a condition known to many women, but when episodes become more frequent, the impact is profound: pain, burning sensation, sudden urge to urinate and constant fear of another crisis. In some cases, recurrent urinary tract infections may be associated with anatomical or functional changes in the urinary system. Urogynaecology helps identify the cause and define prevention strategies, significantly reducing the risk of recurrence. 

Living with constant pain in the pelvic region compromises work, rest and private life. By definition, this pain lasts longer than six months and may be related to endometriosis, muscular changes in the pelvic floor, surgical scars or recurrent infections. The diagnosis requires careful assessment, but treatment can make all the difference in restoring wellbeing. 

The pelvic floor is comprised of muscles and ligaments that support internal organs and guarantee essential functions such as urination, bowel movements and pain-free sexual intercourse. When this balance is affected (after pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, surgery or with ageing), symptoms such as incontinence and painful or difficult intercourse may occur. Pelvic rehabilitation using specific techniques has highly positive results and is often the first step to regain function and confidence. 

Kegel exercises are pelvic floor contraction and relaxation techniques that help strengthen the muscles that control the bladder, uterus and rectum. These exercises are recommended to help prevent or treat mild urinary incontinence and early prolapses, as well as to improve sexual function. 

This is when the uterus sags into the vagina due to weakened pelvic ligaments and muscles. The condition can cause a feeling of fullness, vaginal bulge or difficulty urinating. Treatment ranges from pelvic physiotherapy to reconstructive surgery, depending on the severity. 

Uterine prolapse is when the uterus drops, while vaginal prolapse occurs when the vaginal walls bulge, which may involve the bladder (cystocele) or rectum (rectocele). Rectal prolapse happens when the rectum slips out of the anus, which is treated in conjunction with Coloproctology. 

This is when the bladder contracts involuntarily, causing a sudden and frequent urge to urinate, even if in small quantities. The condition can cause incontinence, compromising the patient’s sleep and social life. Treatment includes behavioural measures, pelvic physiotherapy, medication and, in resistant cases, minimally invasive techniques. 

Pimples and irritation in the genital region can have various causes, such as infections, skin rashes, allergies or sexually transmitted diseases. They should never be ignored. It is advisable to see a gynaecologist to determine the right treatment and avoid self-medicating. 

This is the involuntary loss of stool or gas, frequently associated with difficult childbirth, surgery or weakness of the pelvic floor. Although this subject is taboo, it can be resolved through physiotherapy, medication and, when necessary, surgery. 

This is when the bladder sags into the vagina due to weakened pelvic tissue. This can cause a feeling of heavy bladder, difficulty urinating or incontinence. The treatment can be conservative (physiotherapy, pessary) or surgical. 

Yes. This is a classic symptom of urinary tract infection, but it can have other causes, such as vaginal irritation or inflammation of the urethra. An assessment should be made using urine tests to determine the right treatment.