Female urology

What is female urology?

Urology is a field of medicine focussing on diseases of the urinary tract system, which includes include the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra. Female and reconstructive urology is a sub-specialty of urology that treats and assesses patients with urinary incontinence, urological diseases and the reconstruction of the urinary tract.

Female urology is a subdivision of this sub-specialty and it covers a group of conditions that are experienced by women, such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and pelvic organ prolapse. A female urologist specialises in the treatment of these diseases and has a thorough knowledge of the female pelvic floor.

They can also treat urological conditions which affect both sexes, including urinary tract infections (UTI), cystitis, kidney stones, kidney cancer and bladder cancer.

What conditions are treated within female urology?

Conditions commonly treated within female urology include:

• Urinary incontinence
• Overactive bladder
• Pelvic prolapse
• Pelvic floor problems
• Urinary tract infections
• Cystitis
• Kidney stones
• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer

When should you see a urologist?

Women should see a urologist who specialises in female urological problems if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• Blood in their urine
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Cloudy urine
• A frequent urge to urinate
• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Urinary leakage

What happens during a first visit to a urologist?

During a first visit to a urologist, you may be asked to take a questionnaire regarding your medical problems, history and allergies. 

You may also be asked to give a urine sample for it to be analysed. It is recommended that you come to the appointment with a full bladder in order to be able to give a sample. 

What is the difference between a urologist and a urogynecologist?

Urology is more general than urogynecology. While a urologist may treat men, women and children, urognecologists treat women's pelvic floor problems. As a result, they are often thought of as pelvic floor doctors.