Urogynaecology service
The urogynaecology department offers clinical assessment and treatment of pelvic floor and lower urinary tract disorders, including vaginal prolapse and urinary incontinence.
On this page
We work closely with the women’s health physiotherapist team, maternity services and the community continence team, and link with other services in the Trust, including:
- urology
- microbiology
- pain management
We also work jointly with our pelvic floor colorectal surgeons to treat the sudden urge to poo (bowel incontinence), or difficulty having a poo.
We see adults of all ages, including pre and post menopause, and before and after childbirth.
Conditions treated
We offer a range of investigations and treatments for conditions that relate to:
- pelvic organ prolapse
- peeing when you cough, sneeze or exercise (stress urinary incontinence)
- the sudden urge to pee (overactive bladder)
- problems peeing (urinary voiding dysfunction)
- recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI)
- tearing in childbirth (including third and fourth degree tears)
Treatment
We provide a range of services, including:
- urogynecology clinics for new and follow up patients
- one stop clinics for assessment, investigation and treatment plans
- non-surgical management of pelvic floor disorders
- specialist nurse and practitioner led clinics, including vaginal pessary insertion and review for prolapse
- day surgery to treat incontinence and prolapse
- joint clinics with colorectal surgeons, for complex urogynaecology and colorectal cases
- perineal clinic (for third and fourth degree tears from childbirth)
- bladder tests (urodynamic investigation clinics)
- diagnostic flexible cystoscopy, including IV Botox injection and bladder neck bulking
- drug therapy
- bladder instillation treatment
- intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC)
- trial without catheter (TWOC)
Tests
We also carry out the following tests and investigations:
- pee samples or tests
- uroflowmetry and post micturition assessment
- bladder tests (cystometry and pressure flow studies)
- video urodynamics
- urethral pressure profilometry (UPP)
- one hour pad testing
- pelvic and renal tract imaging
How to refer
GP’s should refer patients through the referral assessment system (RAS). The referral will then be assessed to ensure the patient is invited to the most suitable clinic.
We may direct patients back to their GP if:
- referrals are not considered the best course of action
- community measures have not been explored
Other consultants and allied health professionals can refer patients directly to the service if non-invasive treatments have failed and further investigations are needed.
We also accept direct referrals from midwives or the obstetrics team, for acute postnatal and postoperative urinary retention.