Urogynecology treats problems of the pelvic floor, the muscles and tissues that support the bladder, uterus and bowel. These include urinary leakage, urgency, prolapse of the uterus or vaginal walls, and difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel. They are common after childbirth and with ageing, yet many women delay seeking help.

Assessment includes a history of symptoms, a pelvic examination, a bladder diary and sometimes urine tests, ultrasound or cystoscopy. Treatment begins with simple measures, and surgery is used when these are not enough.

Pelvic floor exercises, weight control, treating constipation and bladder training help many women. Others benefit from a vaginal support device or from surgery to repair the weakened tissues.

Urogynecology services at Apex include:

• Stress Incontinence Care: Pelvic floor exercises and, where needed, surgery to support the urethra, for women who leak urine when coughing, sneezing or lifting.
• Overactive Bladder Treatment: Bladder training, fluid advice and medicines for frequent, urgent need to pass urine, after infection and other causes have been excluded.
• Prolapse Management: Assessment of the degree of descent, with exercises, a support device or reconstructive surgery chosen according to symptoms and general health.
• Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Guided exercises with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles, often advised after childbirth or before and after pelvic surgery.