Many women experience pelvic floor disorders at some point in their lives, yet they may not know which type of specialist is best equipped to diagnose and manage these conditions. Star Urogynecology serves patients throughout the Arizona Phoenix metro area, including Peoria, Sun City, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale. Specialists such as Dr. Ali Azadi, Dr. Polina Sawyer, Dr. Tony Gaddi, and Dr. Marisa Cornejo focus on conditions that affect the female pelvic floor, bladder, and reproductive organs.
A urogynecologist is a physician with advanced training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. These specialists evaluate problems involving the bladder, pelvic organs, and surrounding muscles, connective tissues, and nerves. Because many pelvic floor disorders develop gradually or share similar symptoms, a comprehensive evaluation helps determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment recommendations.
Common Conditions a Urogynecologist Treats
Bladder and Pelvic Floor Disorders
One of the primary reasons women visit a urogynecologist is for bladder-related symptoms. Urinary leakage, frequent urges to urinate, difficulty emptying the bladder, and repeated urinary tract infections can all affect quality of life. Conditions such as Urinary Incontinence and recurrent UTIs are among the most common concerns evaluated by these specialists. A urogynecologist can identify contributing factors such as weakened pelvic floor muscles, nerve dysfunction, hormonal changes, or anatomical changes within the pelvis.
Another frequently treated condition is Pelvic Organ Prolapse, which occurs when the bladder, uterus, rectum, or vaginal walls shift from their normal position due to weakened support structures. Depending on the severity, women may notice pelvic pressure, a bulging sensation, or discomfort during daily activities. Specialists also evaluate Fecal Incontinence, a condition involving reduced bowel control that may result from childbirth injuries, nerve damage, or pelvic floor dysfunction.
Gynecologic Conditions That Affect Pelvic Health
Although urogynecologists focus on pelvic floor disorders, they also evaluate gynecologic conditions that contribute to chronic pelvic symptoms. Persistent discomfort may be associated with Pelvic Pain, which can have multiple causes involving the muscles, nerves, reproductive organs, or urinary tract. Identifying the source often requires a detailed medical history, physical examination, and, when appropriate, diagnostic testing.
Other conditions that may contribute to pelvic symptoms include Endometriosis, fibroids, and Complex Gynecological Conditions. These disorders may cause pelvic discomfort, heavy menstrual bleeding, pressure, or urinary symptoms that overlap with pelvic floor dysfunction. Because many symptoms can mimic one another, evaluation by a specialist helps ensure that all possible contributing factors are considered before developing a treatment plan.
When Should You See a Urogynecologist?
Women often assume bladder leakage, pelvic pressure, or chronic pelvic discomfort are simply part of aging or the natural result of pregnancy and childbirth. While these life events can increase the risk of pelvic floor disorders, ongoing symptoms should not be ignored. Seeking evaluation early may help identify conditions before they progress and interfere with daily activities, exercise, work, or sleep.
Some signs that may warrant evaluation include:
- Frequent urinary leakage or urgency
- A feeling of pelvic heaviness or vaginal bulging
- Chronic pelvic discomfort or pressure
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements
- Problems emptying the bladder completely
Understanding the cause of these symptoms is the first step toward improving pelvic health. Every patient’s experience is unique, making an individualized assessment essential for determining the most appropriate next steps.
Supporting Long-Term Pelvic Health
Pelvic floor disorders can affect women of all ages and stages of life, from young adults to postmenopausal women. Factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, aging, genetics, obesity, prior pelvic surgery, and certain chronic medical conditions may all contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Fortunately, increased awareness has encouraged more women to seek specialized evaluation rather than living with symptoms that disrupt their daily lives.
At Star Urogynecology, patients throughout the Phoenix metro area—including Peoria, Sun City, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale—can learn more about the wide range of conditions treated by urogynecology specialists. Whether seeking information about pelvic floor disorders or understanding when specialized evaluation may be appropriate, education remains an important first step toward making informed decisions about pelvic health.
Resources
Haylen, B. T., de Ridder, D., Freeman, R. M., et al. (2010). An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) Joint Report on the Terminology for Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Neurourology and Urodynamics.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Pelvic Organ Prolapse. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
International Urogynecological Association. (2023). Female Pelvic Floor Disorders. International Urogynecological Association.