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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.
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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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Signs that you're struggling with a mental health issue related to pelvic floor problems may include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It may help to follow a regimen of self-care, including:
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.
