A Leaky Bladder or Pelvic Pressure? A Urogynecologist Can Help
A Leaky Bladder or Pelvic Pressure? A Urogynecologist Can Help
It can happen anywhere, at any time. One minute you’re laughing with friends, and the next you’re sprinting to the bathroom to deal with a leaky bladder. These moments are incredibly common—but if they’re causing you to cancel plans or skip your afternoon run, it’s time to see a urogynecologist.
Urogynecologists specialize in pelvic floor health. Whether symptoms include urine leakage, heaviness in the pelvis, or a vaginal bulge, these conditions are medical—not personal—and help is available.
Understanding Bladder and Pelvic Floor Disorders
Many women don’t think much about their pelvic floor until something feels off. Symptoms can be uncomfortable, confusing, or too embarrassing to talk about—even with a health care provider. Yet, pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are common. Research shows nearly one in three women will experience a PFD at some point in life.
“Pelvic floor disorders can feel embarrassing, but they’re far more common than most people realize—and they’re exactly what we’re trained to treat,” says Jolyn Hill, MD, associate professor and a fellowship-trained urogynecologist at University of Utah Health.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues at the base of the pelvis that acts like a hammock to support the bladder, uterus, vagina, and bowel. When these muscles weaken or stretch, a disorder may develop, resulting in a variety of bothersome and sometimes painful symptoms.
How Can a Urogynecologist Help
A urogynecologist is a physician with advanced training in PFD. These specialists complete either an OB/GYN residency plus a three-year fellowship or a urology residency plus a two-year fellowship.
The most common conditions urogynecologists treat include:
- Pelvic organ prolapse, often felt as a vaginal bulge
- Urinary leakage:
- Stress incontinence: Leaking while coughing, laughing, or exercising
- Urgency incontinence: Sudden, intense need to go that’s not triggered by physical activity
Urogynecologists also care for patients with:
- Bladder urgency and frequency
- Fecal leakage
- Postpartum pelvic floor issues, especially after significant tearing
While symptoms can appear at any age, many patients seek care later in life—when they finally have the time to focus on self-care.
“These aren’t life‑threatening conditions, but they can absolutely reshape a woman’s quality of life. Women are so used to putting themselves last while caring for everyone else. Some come in after quietly managing chronic bladder leakage or a bulge for several years.”
Treatment Can Make All the Difference
The good news: most pelvic floor treatments are cost effective and non-invasive.
Common treatment plans include:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Vaginal inserts, such as pessaries
“Sometimes just understanding what’s happening is enough,” Hill says. “Surgery is available when needed, and not necessarily the first step—and it’s always a shared decision between patient and provider.”
Hill emphasizes one key message: pelvic floor disorders are common, treatable, and not a personal failure.
“You’re not alone, and it’s not your fault,” she says. “What’s changing now is awareness, better treatment, and the willingness to talk about them.”
At University of Utah Health, patients have access to multiple fellowship-trained urogynecologists within an academic medical center committed to research and innovation.
“We have a growing team serving the Mountain West—an area that once had very few specialists,” Hill says. “High‑volume, specialized care leads to better outcomes. We’re fortunate to offer that here.”
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms Causes and Non-Surgical Treatments
Up to half of women examined with no symptoms show early signs of pelvic organ prolapse, yet many never talk about it. Childbirth, aging, obesity, menopause, and even high-impact activities can weaken pelvic support over time. Learn how to recognize prolapse early and what you can do to stay comfortable and active.
