For women experiencing health issues in the pelvic region, it may seem natural to seek help from an OB-GYN. But sometimes, a urologist is the better option for “down there” care.
Obviously, a woman’s urologic and reproductive systems are close together in the body. And it’s not uncommon for people to see them as one network, needing the care of one doctor. But the reality is that these systems are quite different, regardless of their proximity. Indeed, problems in these regions often require different expertise to find the right diagnosis and treatment.
Different Specialties for Different Ailments
A urologist specializes in the urinary system — the bladder, kidneys, ureter and urethra. It’s a common misconception that urologists only treat healthcare issues in men. They treat women, too. They provide care for anything related to the urinary tract, such as incontinence, overactive bladder and hematuria (blood in the urine).
A gynecologist specializes in the female reproductive system. They provide care for issues related to the reproductive organs, including menstrual cycle problems, fertility and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Because the urinary tract and female sex organs have a lot of overlap in the body, gynecologists and urologists often work collaboratively to address a patient’s needs. For example, if you’re experiencing pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence, these doctors may work together to treat both conditions.
15 Reasons to See a Gynecologist
Common symptoms that indicate you should see a gynecologist include:
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Breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between menstrual cycles)
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Increased vagin*l discharge and/or color changes in discharge
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Itching, swelling, or soreness in the vagin*l area
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Low libido
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Lumps or sores in the vagin*l area
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Painful periods
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Pain or discomfort during sex
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Unusual vagin*l odor
Common conditions gynecologists treat include:
While your gynecologist can treat certain conditions related to the urinary system, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), they may refer you to a urologist if you experience recurrent UTIs or have other symptoms that indicate something is affecting your urinary tract.
13 Reasons to See a Urologist
Common symptoms that indicate you should see a urologist include:
Common conditions urologists treat include:
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Kidney stones
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Hematuria
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Incontinence
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Overactive bladder
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Neurological diseases of the bladder (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury)
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Recurrent urinary tract infections
Talking about issues related to the reproductive and urinary systems can be uncomfortable for women, but it’s the first step toward getting the right treatment. Stress urinary incontinence, UTIs, pelvic pain, and prolapse are common conditions many women experience, and doctors who specialize in these issues are here to help.
If you’re not sure if you should see a urologist or gynecologist, talk to your primary-care doctor. They can refer you to the right specialist to ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.
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FAQs
It's a common misconception that urologists only treat healthcare issues in men. They treat women, too. They provide care for anything related to the urinary tract, such as incontinence, overactive bladder and hematuria (blood in the urine). A gynecologist specializes in the female reproductive system.
Should a woman see a urologist or gynecologist? ›
A gynecologist (GYN) is someone who specializes in female reproductive organs. They deal with a wide variety of situations, from fertility to STIs to hormone disorders and more. A urologist, on the other hand, deals specifically with the urinary system. That includes your bladder, urinary tract, and kidneys.
Can a gynecologist detect bladder problems? ›
For example, both urologists and gynecologists can treat incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. Due to these overlaps, some doctors decide to specialize in both urology and gynecology to become a urogynecologist. A urogynecologist targets issues that are specific to both the pelvic floor and the bladder.
Why would a woman be referred to an urologist? ›
Urologists treat urinary tract problems in both men and women. “We see women for any and all symptoms in the pelvis or urinary tract,” says Michael Lasser, M.D., urologist and medical director of robotic surgery at JFK Medical Center.
Should I see a gynecologist or urogynecologist? ›
Maybe you have incontinence or you've noticed a vagin*l bulge. In these instances, a more specialized physician, a urogynecologist, may be the more appropriate person to see to diagnose and treat the problem. Gynecologist are physicians who specialize in the female reproductive system.
Do urologists perform pap smears? ›
Pap smears should take place with a gynecologist or primary care physician. A urogynecologist is an additional resource for chronic pelvic floor disorders. You may receive a pelvic exam during your visit, but Pap smears should be performed and documented by an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN).
What is a female urologist called? ›
Urogynecologists are physicians who complete medical school and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology or Urology. These physicians are specialists with additional years of fellowship training and certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.
How does an urologist examine a woman? ›
An initial exam usually includes a vagin*l exam with a speculum. Additional diagnostic testing may include imaging studies and cystoscopy.
Can a gynecologist do a cystoscopy? ›
Cystourethroscopy is used by urologists, urogynecologists, and gynecologists. Cystourethroscopy is commonly referred to as cystoscopy, which will be used in this review.
How often should a woman see an urologist? ›
Moreover, if you have a problem that is ongoing and requires consistent treatment, you may need to see your urologist once or more a year for however long it is necessary.
Physical exam: The urologist will perform a physical exam concentrated on the genitourinary system, and evaluate other systems as well. The physician will perform a genital exam plus a digital rectal exam to assess the prostate.
What is a urology scope for a woman? ›
Cystoscopy is a test that lets the healthcare provider view the urinary tract. This area includes the bladder, the urethra, and the openings to the ureters. Cystoscopy can help find problems with the urinary tract. This may include early signs of cancer, infection, narrowing, blockage, or bleeding.
Can a gynecologist see your bladder? ›
The second type of cystoscope is called a rigid cystoscope that does not bend and is straight. In both types of cystoscopes, the OBGYN doctor can see within the bladder, and she can take pictures and display them on a screen, usually next to the patient.
Why would an urologist do a pelvic exam? ›
For women dealing with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), a pelvic exam may be done along with a urinalysis. Testing for female low sex drive typically requires a blood panel to determine hormone levels. Those with urinary incontinence symptoms will undergo a cough stress test to determine urine loss.
Do gynecologists deal with bladder? ›
While your gynecologist can treat certain conditions related to the urinary system, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), they may refer you to a urologist if you experience recurrent UTIs or have other symptoms that indicate something is affecting your urinary tract.
How does a urologist examine you female? ›
An initial exam usually includes a vagin*l exam with a speculum. Additional diagnostic testing may include imaging studies and cystoscopy.
What problems does a urogynecologist treat? ›
Urogynecologists handle issues related to the pelvic floor and bladder. This includes overactive bladders, weak pelvic muscles, reproductive issues, and bladder or rectal incontinence (the loss of control when going to the bathroom). Urogynecologists perform evaluations, diagnose and treat patients.
Do female urologists see male patients? ›
Do female urologists accept male patients? - Quora. I am a male patient and my urologist was a female so the answer is yes.
