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>> So it's a common misconception
that urology is just a field
for male reconstruction or male health.
But actually urology
is the study and the management,
surgical and medical of the kidneys,
ureters, bladder and urethra.
The plumbing may be
a little different in women.
However, women do have all those organs,
and their care is just
as important as men's.
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So Female Reconstructive Urologists
manage prolapse,
which is the female organs
may be descending,
incontinence which is the leakage of urine.
But we also manage patients
that have neurologic problems
that affect how their bladder works.
We also can manage
general urology indications
including kidney stones,
blood in the urine.
And so the field is very vast
and it's very exciting.
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Frequently patients may come and see us
and not talk about some of the issues
that are impacting them,
such as incontinence.
It's a little bit embarrassing.
People don't know who to ask.
And a female urologist
can provide some of that insight,
discuss the problem
and come up with treatment plans
that are great for the patient.
And importantly are what the patient
wishes to do,
not what the doctor says
they should have done.
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Women do in general,
have gynecologists that they see
on an annual basis.
And they address a lot of female complaints.
However, some of the conditions
aren't asked about like incontinence
or even prolapse necessarily.
And that's when a urogynecologist
or a female urologist can be beneficial.
Because it allows the patient
to discuss those very sensitive topics
with people that are experts.
I frequently get asked,
"What's the difference
between a urogynecologist
and a female urologist?"
And I tell them
that we're very comfortable.
Female urologists are very comfortable
with the urinary system.
So we have a unique ability
in terms of reconstruction.
We also manage neurogenic bladders
or bladders that are affected
by nerve issues.
And that's something
that the urogynecology team
isn't as experienced in.
In addition, we are able to navigate
other urology conditions
such as kidney stones
and hematuria or blood in the urine.
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So all urologists are trained
in the management of the GU system.
But female urologists are specialized
and they focus.
They spend fellowship training,
learning how to manage
conditions of the bladder
and the urethral tube.
There are some female urologists
that do male reconstruction,
but the focus really is on women.
Women's health, sexual function,
as well as overall quality of life
and function.
So there are differences.
Although many general urologists
will treat female indications.
And the reason is that
we have a lot of patients who are women
and we have very few specialized
Female Reconstructive Surgeons.
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Patients want to know
when they should contact
a female urologist.
And I say any time you're experiencing issues
that may significantly impact
your quality of life
and they're related to the urinary tract.
So that can be incontinence.
That can be prolapse.
That can be urinary retention.
And so we are able to very acutely
deal with those particular problems
because of the extensive training
that we've had.
Women really think that
sometimes they should manage these issues
such as incontinence and prolapse
and never really speak about it.
I have seen so many patients
come to my office
and with very small either procedures,
medications and interventions,
were able to greatly improve
their quality of life.
And I've had patients
come back to me and say,
"I wish I would have done this
10 years ago, 20 years ago."
So it's important to think about
your quality of life and realize,
if you can make change,
maybe you should think about
making that change now.
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