FPMRS (Female Pelvic and Reconstructive Surgery)

Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery or (FPMRS) is a specialty of medicine that specializes in symptoms of female prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, as well as problems of fecal and urinary incontinence in women.
Physicians that specialize in FPMRS are called Urogynecologists or “female urologists” and can utilize a surgical or non surgical approach to treat patients depending on the severity of the condition and health of the patient. FPMRS specialists like me have had special fellowship training, actively treat a large number of women with these issues, and have board certification in FPMRS (jointly between the American Board of Urology and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology).

The Medical field of FPMRS can diagnose and treat the following conditions:

-Pelvic Organ Prolapse

 

Bladder Prolapse-  A bulge consisting of a hernia containing the “dropped bladder” in the vagina. This occurs when the muscle and ligaments between the female bladder and vaginal wall expand and become weaker often due to childbirth, genetics, or weight gain.

Uterine Prolapse- a vaginal bulge that happens because of the weakening of the uterosacral ligaments at the top of the vagina

Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse- A vaginal bulge where the rectum has protruded into the vagina. This bulge can enlarge during bowel movements.  In between the vagina and the rectum lies a piece of fibrous tissue called the fascia. When the fascia becomes weak, the vaginal wall will start to give out causing the rectum to bulge in the vaginal wall.

 

-Recurring Urinary Tract Infections

  These are most common when sexual relations are starting, or soon after menopause.

 

General Pelvic Pain

Uncomfortable or burning feeling in your pelvic area that make normal activities like sex, standing, urinating and defecating uncomfortable. This can include your bladder, urethra, vagina and anal area.

 

Voiding Dysfunction

-Having difficulty starting urination, emptying completely, and sometimes causing urinary retention.

 

Urinary Incontinence

 

Stress incontinence is leakage of urine with activities. It can happen when you put stress on your bladder by performing everyday motions. Laughing, coughing, sex or any other function that puts pressure on the bladder can induce loss of bladder control.

Urge incontinence occurs when you feel the need to urinate but cannot make it to the bathroom in time. This can be caused by damaged or weak muscles in the lower urinary tract or the nerves that control urination. It is as if you cannot “put the brakes” on the desire to urinate. This is often associated with urinary frequency, urgency and nocturia.

Overflow incontinence is the result when you cannot completely empty your bladder after urination. This can seem as a continual leakage without any sense of urgency.

Mixed Incontinence refers to when you have a combination of the different types of incontinence. It usually involves a mix of stress and urge incontinence.

 

No need to suffer silently

Urinary and fecal incontinence, vaginal bulges and pelvic pain are a sore subjects that nobody wants to talk about. For many women, the problem starts after the baby is born. An invigorating jog through the park can all of a sudden become an embarrassing nightmare. Urinary incontinence can affect your emotional well being, self image, and sexuality. Women are twice as likely to experience these conditions as men.  The frequency of urinary incontinence continues to increase with age. About 20% of young women experience symptoms while the volume increases to 50% for older women.

Fortunately, physicians who specialize is FPMRS can assist in all these conditions and get you back on the right track to a happier and healthier lifestyle. Consult with your general practitioner or contact a FPMRS specialist. Our goal is to improve your quality of life.