International Urogynecology Awareness Day

International Urogynecology Awareness Day, February 20, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the vital field of urogynecology and honoring the professionals who work tirelessly to improve women’s health. In celebration of this day, we had the opportunity to interview Dr. Harold Drutz (Canada), Dr. Donald Ostergard (USA), and Dr. Mark Vierhout (The Netherlands), dedicated experts in the field.

Picture this: You and your friend Samantha are enjoying brunch at a cafe when, in the middle of great laughs, her mood suddenly changes, and you see a look of shock and discomfort in her face. She opens up about her struggles with urinary leakage. Despite her outgoing nature, this has been causing her embarrassment and affecting her daily life, making her hesitant to engage in social activities, or even enjoy simple outings without worry.

Seeing her frustration, you suggest she see a urogynecologist.
“A urogynecologist?!”, she exclaims with surprise.
With a relieved expression, knowing she’s not alone in this, you see her demeanor return to the fun-loving friend you know.

So, What Exactly is Urogynecology?

Urogynecology is a subspecialty within the field of gynecology that focuses on diagnosing and treating pelvic floor disorders in women. The pelvic floor is made up of a network of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support various pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum.