These common concerns may surprise you, especially because they include conditions that women may find difficult to discuss. However, it is important that you see a doctor if you are experiencing any of these conditions. At the UHealth Comprehensive Women’s Health Alliance, we have compassionate expert urogynecologists who can help you explore treatment options.

Pelvic organ prolapse: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs weaken or stretch, causing them to drop down into the vagina. This can cause discomfort and affect the quality of life. Women in the United States have a 13% lifetime risk of undergoing surgery for POP.

Urinary incontinence: Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. There are several types of urinary incontinence, including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and mixed incontinence. Researchers estimate that approximately half of all women experience urinary incontinence.

Overactive bladder: Overactive bladder is characterized by a sudden, strong urge to urinate, often resulting in urinary incontinence. It is estimated that up to 30% of women experience symptoms of overactive bladder.

Sexual dysfunction: Sexual dysfunction can include various issues, such as pain during intercourse, decreased libido, and difficulty achieving orgasm. These issues can have a significant impact on quality of life. It is estimated that up to 40% of women experience sexual dysfunction at some point.

Pelvic pain: Pelvic pain can have a variety of causes, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder pain syndrome, and vulvodynia. Up to 15% of women are estimated to experience chronic pelvic pain.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: Vaginal atrophy is a condition in which the vaginal tissues become thinner and less elastic, often due to hormonal changes. This can cause discomfort during intercourse and other issues. Up to 50% of women are estimated to experience vaginal atrophy after menopause.

Dyspareunia: Dyspareunia is a term used to describe pain during intercourse. Various factors, including vaginal infections, endometriosis, and vulvodynia, can cause this. It is estimated that up to 75% of women will experience dyspareunia at some point.

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are common among women and can be caused by a variety of factors, including sexual activity and hormonal changes. Recurrent UTIs are defined as two or more infections within six months or three or more infections within a year. Up to 20% of women are estimated to experience recurrent UTIs.

Fecal incontinence: Fecal incontinence is the involuntary leakage of stool. It can be caused by various factors, including childbirth, aging, and nerve damage. It is estimated that up to 10% of women experience fecal incontinence.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS): IC/BPS is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pain, urinary urgency, and frequency. It can be challenging to diagnose and treat. It is estimated that up to 6.5% of women in the US have IC/BPS.

Vaginal fistulas: Vaginal fistulas are abnormal connections between the vagina and other organs, such as the bladder, rectum, or colon, resulting in the passage of urine, stool, or gas through the vagina. Causes can include childbirth, surgery, infection, and pelvic radiation. Although vaginal fistulas are less common compared to other female pelvic disorders, proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for those affected.