Treatments

Treatments for Congenital Anomalies of the Bladder and Genitalia

Managing symptoms directly related to anatomic variation

Women with congenital GU anomalies presenting with symptoms can typically have their symptoms managed with a variety of surgical and non-surgical options. As each woman is unique, treatment plans are highly individualized to address her specific needs. As such, we have developed a multidisciplinary program composed of providers from urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery (URPS), reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI), and pediatric surgery, as well as sexual counselors and physical therapists.

  • When a woman’s symptoms are related to obstruction of the vagina from either a hymen or a vaginal septum, typically surgical resection can allow for normal menstruation as well as reproductive activities. Given the risk associated with septum for CAKUT, often we will perform imaging prior to surgical management.
  • When a woman’s symptoms are related to reproductive difficulty, sometimes surgical management can improve outcomes.
  • Women born without a vagina are offered vaginal reconstruction utilizing a minimally invasive approach.

Managing reproductive outcomes in women with GU anomalies

While variations of the urinary tract might not affect a woman’s reproductive potential, they might pose specific problems during pregnancy. In addition, women with surgically addressed/corrected anomalies are at risk for developing complications. Oftentimes these circumstances require specialty input from urogynecologic specialists with familiarity in complex GU anomalies.

Anticipating and managing reproductive health and sexual health aspects

Women with congenital GU anomalies can often develop symptoms related to pelvic organ prolapse (walls of the vagina and/or uterus falling down) or urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine). While these symptoms can typically be managed with a variety of surgical and nonsurgical interventions, the presence of a congenital GU anomaly requires special and careful evaluation by a physician with experience treating this population.

The patient's sexual health can also be affected, and we offer a variety of treatment modalities to assist with improving a woman’s sexual function and satisfaction.