Is It Time To See a Urogynecologist? 7 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Bladder leaks, pelvic pressure and recurring urinary tract infections are common issues that many women experience — from the first weeks after childbirth to menopause.

Women are often told this is just a “normal” part of having a baby or getting older. They’re not. A urogynecologist can help. Here are seven signs it may be time to see one and take charge of your pelvic health.

1. Leaking During Coughing, Laughing or Exercise

If you leak urine when you exercise, cough, sneeze or even when you have a good laugh, it is called stress incontinence. You might think it’s just something you have to live with, but that’s not true.

If leaks are starting to change your daily routine — say, by skipping a workout, avoiding certain activities or always wearing a pad — it’s time to consult a urogynecologist. The good news is that treatment is often as easy as pelvic floor exercises or physical therapy.

2. A Sudden, Uncontrollable Urge to Urinate

Are you always on the lookout for the closest restroom? Or getting up at night because you just can’t hold it? An urgent, hard‑to‑control need to urinate can be a sign of urge incontinence or an overactive bladder.

Most people urinate every three to four hours during the day. At night, one trip is considered normal. Two or more may disrupt your sleep. If you are going more often or carefully planning your days and nights around bathroom breaks, it may be time to consult a specialist.

Treatments — starting with simple, nonsurgical steps — can help restore your comfort and a good night’s sleep.

3. Pressure or Bulge in the Pelvic Area

A sensation of pressure, heaviness or bulging in the vagina could be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse. Patients often describe their symptoms as feeling like something is “falling.” The pelvic organs are held up by muscles and connective tissue. Prolapse can happen when these tissues become stretched or weakened.

Prolapse can be mild and cause no symptoms at all, in which case it may go undetected. But if you experience pressure, discomfort, difficulty emptying your bladder or changes in bowel movements, it’s time to talk with your doctor.

A urogynecologist can determine if prolapse is the cause of your symptoms and discuss treatment options, ranging from pelvic floor physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to procedures that provide more durable support. Early evaluation can help stop symptoms from getting worse and improve your quality of life.

4. Difficulty Emptying Bladder or Bowels

Another sign you may have pelvic organ prolapse is if you find yourself having to press on your pelvic area with your hand or position your body in a certain way to completely empty your bladder or bowels. It’s known as splinting and is a signal from your body that the pelvic floor needs more support.

Treatment options — typically starting with pelvic floor physical therapy or other nonsurgical options — can help you go to the bathroom without extra work or discomfort.

5. Frequent Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in women. Most women will have at least one UTI during their lifetime. However, if they start recurring — two or more within six months or three or more within a year — this might be a sign of an underlying bladder or pelvic floor problem.

UTIs should be evaluated by a provider, not treated at home. Your provider can confirm that your symptoms are caused by an infection, rule out other causes and screen for underlying factors contributing to the infection. With the right care, you can stop the cycle of recurrent infections and implement long-term strategies to protect your bladder health.

6. Painful Intercourse

Sexual discomfort is common, and pain with sex often can be related to pelvic floor hypertonicity (tight pelvic floor muscles). If the pelvic floor muscles are not working well and are in a constant state of spasm, they can cause a variety of symptoms. Symptoms may include pain, burning and pressure during sex.

Surgery is often not the first line of treatment for pelvic floor pain. For many, starting with a pelvic floor physical therapy program and taking a conservative approach can do much to restore comfort, confidence and intimacy.

7. Pregnancy and Postpartum Concerns

Pregnancy and vaginal birth can put increased pressure on the pelvic floor and can increase your risk of future bladder leakage and prolapse. These changes may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms can sometimes take months or years to develop.

Pelvic floor health is an important topic to discuss with your doctor at your postpartum appointments. Many women find pelvic floor physical therapy helpful for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control and preventing future issues.

If you experience persistent leakage, pelvic pressure or discomfort, incomplete emptying of the bladder or bowels or painful sex after childbirth, you may need specialized care to preserve both your comfort and your long‑term pelvic health.

This content is not AI generated.