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What Is the Difference Between a Urogynecologist and a Urologist?
When it comes to urinary health, many people assume that a urologist is the go-to specialist. And while that’s often true, there’s another lesser-known medical professional who may be even more appropriate for certain cases—especially for women. That specialist is a urogynecologist.
Though both urologists and urogynecologists deal with the urinary system, they focus on different patient populations and medical conditions. Understanding the differences between these two specialties can help patients make more informed decisions about their care. In this article, we’ll break down the key distinctions between urogynecologists and urologists—who they treat, what conditions they focus on, and how to know which one you might need.
What Is a Urologist?
A urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the urinary tract in both men and women, as well as the male reproductive system. This includes organs such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, prostate, testicles, and penis.
Common conditions treated by urologists include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney stones
- Bladder issues (overactive bladder, incontinence)
- Enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Male infertility
- Prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers
- Blood in the urine
- Testicular or scrotal pain
Urologists treat both men and women, but a large portion of their practice focuses on male patients and male-specific health issues.
What Is a Urogynecologist?
A urogynecologist is a medical doctor who has completed specialized training in both gynecology and urology. More specifically, they are OB-GYNs who go on to complete fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS). Their practice is devoted exclusively to the care of women with pelvic floor disorders.
The pelvic floor is the group of muscles and connective tissue that support the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. When this area becomes weak or damaged, women may experience a range of problems that urogynecologists are uniquely equipped to treat.
Common conditions treated by urogynecologists include:
- Pelvic organ prolapse (when the bladder, uterus, or rectum drops)
- Stress urinary incontinence (leaking when coughing, laughing, etc.)
- Overactive bladder
- Fecal incontinence
- Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis)
- Recurrent UTIs
- Vaginal mesh complications
- Pelvic floor dysfunction following childbirth
Urogynecologists focus solely on female patients, and their expertise lies at the intersection of urology and gynecology.
Education and Training Differences
Both urologists and urogynecologists are medical doctors who undergo years of specialized training, but their educational paths diverge after medical school.
- Urologists complete a 5–6 year urology residency after medical school, which includes surgical and medical training related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
- Urogynecologists complete a 4-year OB-GYN residency followed by a 2–3 year fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
While both are highly trained, urogynecologists receive more extensive and focused training in pelvic floor disorders that are unique to women.
Who Should You See?
Choosing between a urologist and a urogynecologist depends largely on your symptoms and your gender.
You should consider seeing a urologist if you:
- Are male and have issues with urination, prostate, or sexual health
- Are experiencing kidney stones or blood in your urine
- Have general urinary symptoms that aren’t clearly linked to pelvic floor problems
You should consider seeing a urogynecologist if you:
- Are female and experiencing urinary leakage, vaginal bulging, or pressure
- Have pelvic floor symptoms that started after childbirth
- Have both urinary and gynecological symptoms
- Want specialized surgical options for pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence
In some cases, a primary care doctor or OB-GYN may refer you to the right specialist based on your symptoms.
Collaborative Care
There is sometimes overlap between these two specialties, especially when it comes to treating women with urinary incontinence or bladder pain. In fact, many urogynecologists and urologists work together on multidisciplinary teams to provide the most comprehensive care.
For example, a woman with both pelvic prolapse and frequent UTIs may benefit from seeing both types of specialists. A urogynecologist may handle the prolapse repair while a urologist evaluates and treats the infection pattern.
Final Thoughts
While both urologists and urogynecologists are experts in urinary system health, the key difference lies in their focus. Urologists treat both men and women for a wide range of urinary and reproductive issues, whereas urogynecologists specialize in treating women’s pelvic floor disorders—often with a blend of surgical and nonsurgical approaches. If you’re in need of a urologist in Brooklyn, we recommend reaching out to us. The important thing is not to ignore the symptoms. Whether it’s leakage, pressure, pain, or changes in urinary habits, getting the right specialist involved can dramatically improve your quality of life.
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