What is Urogynaecology?

Urogynaecology is a sub-specialty of Gynaecology. In some countries it is also known as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

A urogynaecologist manages clinical problems associated with dysfunction of the pelvic floor and bladder. Pelvic floor disorders affect the bladder, reproductive organs, and bowels. Common pelvic floor disorders include urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and faecal incontinence. Urogynaecologists also provide care to women who have experienced trauma to the perineum during childbirth.

Urogynaecologists manage women with urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction. The clinical conditions that a Urogynaecologist may see include prolapse of the uterus or vaginal walls, stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, voiding difficulty, bladder pain, urethral pain, obstructed defecation, anal incontinence, and perineal injury.

Urogynaecologists often manage women who have experienced recurrence of pelvic floor symptoms after previous surgery.

Urogynaecolgists are also trained in the care of women with vesico-vaginal or rectovaginal fistulae and women with congenital abnormalities of the lower female reproductive system.   

Urogyaecology Sub-specialist training in Australia

In Australia, Urogynaecology training involves a further three to four years of training. This is in addition to the five to six years of specialist training that is required to become an Obstetrician Gynaecologist. Sub-specialist training is overseen by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This rigorous program of clinical work, surgery, research and examinations culminates in the successful awarding of the ‘Certification in Urogynaecology - CU’ by RANZCOG. Only holders of the CU are recognised sub-specialiast Urogynaecologists by APRHA

Contemporary urogynecological practice encourages multidisciplinary teams working in the care of patients, with collaborative input from urogynecologists, urologists, colorectal surgeons, plastic surgeons, elderly care physicians, continence nurses and physiotherapists. This is especially important in the care of patients with complex problems, e.g. those who have undergone previous surgery or who have combined incontinence and prolapse, or combined urinary and bowel problems. Multidisciplinary team meetings are an important part of the management pathway of these women.