Urogynaecology is a sub specialty of Gynaecology that cares for women with pelvic floor disorders. Pelvic floor disorders affect the bladder, reproductive organs and bowel. They include urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse and faecal incontinence. These problems are very common and may arise on women of any age.
Some pelvic floor disorders, such as prolapse are strongly associated with the effects of pregnancy and childbirth while others, such as overactive bladder, can occur without any obvious risk factor.
The Urogynaecology unit at The National Maternity Hospital is a multidisciplinary service with Consultant Urogynaecologists, Physiotherapists, and an Advanced Midwifery Practitioner working as a team to accurately diagnose and manage pelvic floor disorders.
Prof Declan Keane and Dr Gerry Agnew lead this service. Linda Kelly is an Advanced Midwife Practitioner in urodynamics.
Patients are referred to the Urogynaecology service by their GP. GPs should use the Gynaecology Referral Form on Healthlink to refer patients to the Urogynaecology Clinic. If a GP does not have access to Healthlink, this gynaecology electronic referral form should be completed and emailed to gynaeCRO@nmh.ie
If you have a question about your appointment, please contact the main gynaecology clinic. The Gynaecology Clinic is open Monday to Friday 08:00 - 18:00 hrs (excluding bank holidays).
Phone Numbers: 01 637 3502 / 01 637 3504. Please have your hospital number ready when you phone, it is detailed on your appointment letter.
Email: gynae@nmh.ie. If using email, please provide details of your full name, date of birth and hospital number with your query (your hospital number is on your appointment letter).
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Service
Pelvic floor issues can affect women at any stage in life and are not always associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Team provide expert care and support for those experiencing pelvic health issues, with a focus on both prevention and treatment.
Conditions We Treat:
- Stress incontinence - leaking urine with sneezing, coughing, laughing, exercise etc.
- Overactive bladder - urgency or frequency with bladder emptying, including night-time
- Urgency incontinence -leaking urine or the way to the toilet, not making it on time
- Mixed incontinence - combination of stress and urgency incontinence
- Bowel Dysfunction - leakage, constipation, wind control
- Prolapse - heaviness or pressure in the vagina or back passage
- Pelvic floor pain
- Pain with sexual intercourse
- Pelvis floor issues related to Menopause
- Complications following previous mesh implant surgery
Our aim is to help restore your pelvic floor function, improve your quality of life, and support your long-term health.
Your care will be based on your personal goals, and empower you to take charge of your pelvic health while ensuring you feel comfortable, informed and supported.
Physiotherapy treatment can include techniques such as pelvic floor exercises and rehabilitation, exercise therapy, manual therapy, bowel and bladder training, biofeedback, and lifestyle advice to help you regain control and confidence.
Referrals
The Pelvic Health Physiotherapy service receives referrals from Doctors and Nurses in the Urogynaecology Unit at The National Maternity Hospital. Please see the above Urogynaecology section for referral information.
Postnatal women who have had a baby in the last six months at The National Maternity Hospital and have issues with their pelvic floor can self-refer by contacting our Physiotherapy Department directly at physio@nmh.ie