Urogynecology - blending Urology and Gynecology to benefit women

Dr. Joseph Gauta explains unique sub-specialty for women

Urogynecology Provides Integrated Treatment for:

Incontinence, Dropped Uterus, Overactive Bladder, More

Naples, FL -- The word Urogynecology is a relatively new term for many female healthcare consumers but one that's been used in the medical community for decades.  It describes a field of medicine that combines the best of two specialties, Urology and Gynecology and is designed to provide a complete approach to women's pelvic health.

According to Dr. Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG, a urogynecologist and founder of the Florida Bladder Institute, "Urogynecology targets disorders of the pelvic floor and provides reconstructive medicine to repair problems such as organ prolapse, incontinence, or other functional concerns." Dr. Gauta continued, "A urogynecologist is a board certified specialist such as an obstetrician/gynecologist that has the experience and skill to diagnose and treat women suffering with complex pelvic health problems and treats the entire pelvic region, not just one system."

The advantages of seeing a urogynecologist as a single source for women's pelvic health concerns are many.  In the past, women with problems such as painful periods coupled with heavy bleeding and/or incontinence, chronic urinary infections, ovarian cysts, or organ prolapse would visit several types of physician specialists seeking a solution. Each one would provide a diagnosis and treatment plan to address a specific problem based on their area of expertise. While the treatment may work for one problem, other issues remained untreated and women would find themselves frustrated, inconvenienced and financially impacted due to the many visits, tests and treatments required.

The Florida Bladder Institute in Naples, FL is one of the country's first urogynecology practices. As a center of excellence in women's pelvic health, the institute treats women from throughout the world who seek specialized comprehensive care for complex pelvic floor concerns. Dr. Gauta explains that, "A urogynecologist has the skill and experience to assess the entire pelvic region including the uterus, bladder, vagina and rectum as well as the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that support those systems," He added, "This means we thoroughly evaluate your urinary, lower gastrointestinal and reproductive systems as a whole to insure you receive the best possible treatment and outcome in the most efficient and cost effective manner."

When Should You Seek a Urogynecologist?

The American Urogynecologic Society provides guidelines and recommendations to help women make wise decisions about their pelvic health and to help them understand the unique and important roles each member of the health care team plays in their overall health.

They explain that although your primary care physician or OB/GYN may have knowledge about these problems, a urogynecologist can offer additional expertise. You should see (or be referred to) a urogynecologist when you have problems of prolapse and/or troublesome incontinence or when your primary doctor recommends consultation.

Other problems for which you or your doctor might think about consulting a urogynecologist include: problems with emptying the bladder or rectum, pelvic pain and the need for special expertise in vaginal surgery.

Some problems due to pelvic floor disorders and their symptoms are:

1. Incontinence: loss of bladder or bowel control, leakage of urine or feces.

2. Prolapse: descent of pelvic organs; a bulge and/or pressure; ‘dropped uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum.’

3. Emptying Disorders: difficulty urinating or moving bowels.

4. Pelvic (or Bladder) Pain: discomfort, burning or other uncomfortable pelvic symptoms, including bladder or urethral pain.

5. Overactive Bladder: frequent need to void, bladder pressure, urgency, urgency incontinence or difficulty holding back a full bladder.

What Treatment Options are Available from a Urogynecologist?

A urogynecologist can recommend a variety of therapies to cure or relieve symptoms of prolapse, urinary or fecal incontinence, or other pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms.

At the Florida Bladder Institute, Dr. Gauta may advise conservative, non-surgical or surgical therapy depending on your preferences, the severity of your condition and your general health. Conservative options may include medications, pelvic exercises, behavioral and/or dietary modifications and vaginal devices (also called pessaries). Biofeedback (part of a comprehensive Pelvic Floor Muscle Therapy program) and Electric Stimulation such at Axonics or Urgent PC are newer treatment methods that may be effective. Minimally invasive surgical procedures are also utilized by Dr. Gauta to treat incontinence and prolapse. In all cases, Dr. Gauta and his experienced nursing staff will discuss all of the options that are available to treat your specific problem before you are asked to make a treatment decision.

About Dr. Gauta

Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG, FPMRS is founder of the Florida Bladder Institute, a premier Urogynecology practice specializing in treating women and also Especially for Women, an Obstetrics and Gynecology practice based in Naples, FL.

As a board certified Ob/Gyn with over 18 years in practice, he specializes in treating complex women’s health issues including but not limited to pelvic floor disorders, urinary and stress incontinence, bladder and bowel dysfunction, fecal incontinence, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic pain, and ovarian cysts. As a Preceptor for Coloplast and Laborie, he teaches surgeons from around the world the techniques of advanced  minimally-invasive urogynecologic surgery with specialization in Laparo-endoscopic Single Site Surgery and in-office procedures.

The Tulane University School of Medicine graduate is a recipient of the prestigious Lewis I. Post Award for Surgical Excellence. He has been honored with the Patients’ Choice Award every year since 2008, placing him in the top 1% of the nation's physicians.  He is a member of the Society of Laparo-endoscopic Surgeons, American Urogynecologic Society, International Urogynecologic Society and the International Continence Society.

Appointments can be made by calling 239-449-7979.

Call 239-449-7979 or Contact Us today!

It's time to start living your life to the fullest. Regain control of your life.