Top Reasons to See a Urogynecologist

Let’s be honest, talking about pelvic issues like leaking urine or bulge isn’t exactly easy. These are the kinds of symptoms many women quietly live with or brush off as “just part of getting older.” But here’s the thing: while pelvic floor issues are common, they’re definitely not normal. And you don’t have to live with them. We spoke with Axia Urogynecologist and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgeon Perrin Downing, MD to learn more.

“Leaking or pelvic pressure may be common experiences, but they’re signs your body is asking for support, and there are solutions,” shares Dr. Downing.

That’s where a urogynecologist can make a real difference. These specialists are OB/GYNs who did three additional years of advanced training to diagnosis and treat pelvic floor disorders. They understand how pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and even lifestyle changes and aging can affect the muscles and organs that support your bladder and vagina.

If you’ve been wondering whether it might be time to see one, here are some of the top reasons women turn to a urogynecologist and how getting help can restore comfort, control, and confidence.

You’re dealing with bladder leaks

A few drops when you laugh, sneeze, or hit the gym? It happens to many women, but that doesn’t make it normal. Urinary incontinence is incredibly common, but it’s also highly treatable.

There are a few different types:

Stress incontinence: Leaking with activity, coughing, or laughing
Urge incontinence: A sudden, strong need to go that’s hard to control
Mixed incontinence: A combination of both

“Many women feel embarrassed to bring up bladder leaks, but it’s one of the most treatable conditions we see,” explains Dr. Downing.

Your urogynecologist can help determine what’s behind your leaks and offer solutions from lifestyle strategies and pelvic floor therapy to medication or minimally invasive procedures. You don’t have to cross your legs every time you laugh or wear a pad constantly! There are effective, long-term solutions that work.

You’re constantly planning your day around the nearest bathroom

If you feel like your bladder has a mind of its own, waking you up multiple times at night or sending you running to the restroom all day, you may have an overactive bladder (OAB).

A urogynecologist can help work with you to calm that urge by exploring a variety of treatment options from medication to minimally invasive procedures.

“When you’re constantly worried about finding a bathroom, it can really affect your social life and overall quality of life,” adds Dr. Downing. “Our goal is to help women regain that freedom and peace of mind.”

You feel pressure or a bulge “down there”

That sensation of heaviness, pulling, or bulging in the pelvic area could be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse which occurs when the support of the bladder, vagina, or rectum weakens.

You might notice:

Vaginal Bulge
Pressure or fullness in the vaginal area
Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels

If you have prolapse and are bothered by it, treatment options can include pelvic floor therapy, a vaginal support device called a pessary, or minimally invasive surgery to restore normal anatomy and comfort.

You suspect pelvic floor dysfunction

Your pelvic floor is a small but powerful group of muscles that supports your bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum. When those muscles become too weak—or too tight—it can lead to symptoms like:

Urinary leakage
Constipation or incomplete emptying
Painful intercourse
Trouble starting or stopping your urine stream

“The pelvic floor is like any other muscle group. It can be strengthened and retrained,” Dr. Downing explains. “Once women understand how to engage those muscles properly, the results can be life-changing.”

With techniques like pelvic floor physical therapy and biofeedback training, a urogynecologist can help you retrain these muscles so they function as they should.

Common doesn’t mean normal

It’s easy to assume that bladder leaks or pelvic pressure are just part of aging or something every woman deals with, but that’s simply not true. While these issues are common, they’re not inevitable. And with today’s advances in women’s health care, there are more options than ever to help you feel like yourself again.

“So many of my patients tell me they wish they’d spoken up sooner,” shares Dr. Downing. “Once they realize these symptoms are treatable, they often feel a huge sense of relief and empowerment.”

Speak up—relief is possible

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, don’t stay silent. Bring them up with your Axia Women’s Health OB/GYN or urogynecologist. Together, we can identify what’s going on and find a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.

You don’t have to accept bothersome symptoms as your “new normal.” Talking about it is the first step toward feeling better, and your Axia care team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to take the first step and make an appointment today.