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Urogynecology-Related Mental Health Concerns

Urogynecologic conditions can affect more than the organs in your pelvic area. Issues with your pelvic floor may alter your quality of life and impact your mental health, too.

Looking for Urogynecology-related Mental Health Concerns Care?

Related services:

  • Behavioral health
  • Women's Health

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On this page:  

  • What Are Urogynecology-related Mental Health Concerns?  
  • What Are the Symptoms of Urogynecology-related Mental Health Concerns?  
  • How Do You Diagnose Urogynecology-related Mental Health Concerns? 
  • How Do You Treat Urogynecology-related Mental Health Concerns?  

What Are Urogynecology-related Mental Health Concerns?  

Doctors define urogynecological conditions as medical issues involving the bladder and female reproductive organs — your pelvic floor.

Many of these conditions cause more than physical pain and discomfort. Dealing with common pelvic floor issues can bring about shame, embarrassment, low self-esteem, and social isolation.

As a result, some people with urogynecological problems develop severe feelings of depression and anxiety that don’t go away. These feelings can be worsened or triggered by physical, sexual, or emotional trauma.

What are urogynecology-related mental health risk factors and complications?

Urogynecology-related mental health risk factors

Anyone who's diagnosed with a urogynecologic condition can develop related mental health issues.

For instance, if you have a pelvic floor disorder, you may deal daily with:

  • Bowel movement problems — Having sudden urges to poop and not being able to make it to the bathroom, or being constantly constipated.
  • Excessive nighttime peeing (nocturia) — When you wake up several times a night to pee.
  • Incontinence — Urine leaks with activity (stress incontinence) and at random (urge incontinence).
  • Overactive bladder — When the muscles that control your bladder squeeze at the wrong time, causing you to run to the bathroom.
  • Pain during sex — Hormonal changes, trauma, or an overly tight pelvic floor can cause pain during sex.
  • Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) — When your bladder or uterus drops and starts pushing against your vagina.

Any of these issues is enough to bring about mental health struggles, and people often deal with more than one pelvic floor condition at a time.

Complications of urogynecology-related mental health concerns

If you have a personal or family history of mental health conditions, you may be at a higher risk of developing a mental health problem related to your urogynecological condition. Your risk of experiencing anxiety and depression only increases with the severity of your condition.

In addition, untreated mental health issues can increase your odds of getting other chronic physical health problems, including diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

How can I prevent urogynecology-related mental health concerns?

The best way to prevent mental health issues related to urogynecology problems is to seek treatment for your pelvic floor issue.

Urogynecologists have training in urology and gynecology but their focus is narrower. They deal with urological conditions related to the female bladder and pelvic floor.

Being proactive about your mental and emotional health can also help. At the first signs of mental health problems related to your pelvic floor issue, call your doctor.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Urogynecology-related Mental Health Concerns? 

Signs that you're struggling with a mental health issue related to pelvic floor problems may include:

  • A loss of interest in everyday activities.
  • Changes in sleep patterns (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, early morning awakening, sleeping more than usual).
  • Depression that doesn’t seem to go away.
  • Difficulty thinking about anything other than your condition.
  • High levels of anxiety, stress, or worry.
  • Inability to focus on completing tasks and difficulty concentrating.
  • Increase in your use of drugs or alcohol.
  • Marked increase or decrease in your appetite or weight.
  • Persistent feelings of pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, bitterness, or anger.
  • Social isolation.
  • Strain in your personal relationships.
  • Thoughts of death or suicide.

When should I call a doctor about my urogynecology-related mental health symptoms?

If you've been diagnosed with a urogynecologic condition, you should get help if you experience symptoms of depression or anxiety that last for more than a few days.

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How Do You Diagnose Urogynecology-related Mental Health Concerns?  

If your health care provider suspects that you have a mental health concern because of a urogynecological problem, they'll conduct a complete physical exam and review your medical history.

Your physician may order a thyroid screening to detect any hormonal or metabolic abnormalities. You also may be referred for an evaluation by a behavioral health specialist.

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How Do You Treat Urogynecology-related Mental Health Concerns?  

Treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health concerns linked to urogynecologic conditions depends on the specific cause, your symptoms, and the severity of your condition.

Medicine for urogynecology-related mental health concerns

UPMC psychiatrists will work closely with you and your urogynecologist to determine the safest and most effective mental health treatment.

They may prescribe antidepressants and antianxiety medications to treat moderate to severe psychiatric symptoms, as well as pain caused by the urogynecological condition itself.

But before prescribing any drugs, your doctor will consider how the medication may interact with others you're taking.

Talk therapy

One-on-one counseling and group therapy are most effective in helping people discuss and manage stress, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. We also offer psychotherapy to treat trauma-related conditions.

Our specialists also may recommend light therapy, exercise therapy, or other alternative options to help you manage your condition.

Self-care

It may help to follow a regimen of self-care, including:

  • Eating well.
  • Exercising.
  • Giving yourself time during the day to relax.
  • Spending time doing activities you enjoy.
  • Getting enough sleep.

Focusing on being present with deep breathing, yoga, massage, or guided imagery also may help you relax your mind and body.


By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-09-05.

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