Patient Information
Click below to read more about these issues:What is a Urogynecologist?
A Urogynecologist is an
Obstetrician/Gynecologist who specializes in the care of women with
pelvic floor disorders. Some Urogynecologists, such as Dr. Huffaker,
completed training in accredited fellowships in Female Pelvic Medicine
and Reconstructive Surgery.
The pelvic floor consists of muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, and nerves that help support and control the uterus, vagina, bladder, urethra, rectum, and anus. The pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repetitive heavy lifting, chronic disease, chronic constipation, aging, and many other factors.
Patients with these disorders experience:
What Kind of Training Does a Fellowship-trained Urogynecologist Have?
Urogynecologists have completed medical school and a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Fellowship-trained subspecialists complete an additional three years of training in the evaluation and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, and the muscles and connective tissue that support the organs. The additional training focuses on the surgical and non-surgical treatment of non-cancerous gynecologic problems, as well as contributing research in these areas.
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. He or she may advise conservative (non-surgical) or surgical therapy depending on your wishes, the severity of your condition and your general health. Conservative options include medications, pelvic exercises, behavioral and/or dietary modifications and vaginal support devices (also called pessaries). Biofeedback and Electric Stimulation are treatment modalities that your Urogynecolgist may recommend. Safe and effective surgical procedures are also utilized by the Urogynecologist to treat incontinence and prolapse. He or she will discuss all of the options that are available to treat your specific problem(s) before you are asked to make a treatment decision.
The pelvic floor consists of muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, and nerves that help support and control the uterus, vagina, bladder, urethra, rectum, and anus. The pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repetitive heavy lifting, chronic disease, chronic constipation, aging, and many other factors.
Patients with these disorders experience:
- Urinary incontinence: Loss of bladder control.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: A bulge and/or pressure; 'dropped uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum.'
- Incomplete bladder emptying/urinary retention: difficulty urinating.
- Pelvic (or Bladder) Pain: Discomfort, burning or other uncomfortable pelvic symptoms, including bladder or urethral pain.
- Overactive Bladder: Frequent need to void, bladder pressure, urgency, urgency incontinence or difficulty holding back a full bladder.
- Anal/fecal incontinence: loss of bowel control.
- Chronic constipation/inability to empty the rectum
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Other disorders
What Kind of Training Does a Fellowship-trained Urogynecologist Have?
Urogynecologists have completed medical school and a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Fellowship-trained subspecialists complete an additional three years of training in the evaluation and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, and the muscles and connective tissue that support the organs. The additional training focuses on the surgical and non-surgical treatment of non-cancerous gynecologic problems, as well as contributing research in these areas.
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. He or she may advise conservative (non-surgical) or surgical therapy depending on your wishes, the severity of your condition and your general health. Conservative options include medications, pelvic exercises, behavioral and/or dietary modifications and vaginal support devices (also called pessaries). Biofeedback and Electric Stimulation are treatment modalities that your Urogynecolgist may recommend. Safe and effective surgical procedures are also utilized by the Urogynecologist to treat incontinence and prolapse. He or she will discuss all of the options that are available to treat your specific problem(s) before you are asked to make a treatment decision.
To make an appointment:
423.439.7272 (p)
423.439.7235 (f)
ETSU Physican and Associates
Department of OB/GYN
325 North State of Franklin Road
Johnson City, TN 37604
www.etsuobgyn.org