FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) While urogynecology (UroGyn) has been a respected subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology for a long time, many women may not know the difference between OB/GYN and UroGyn and why it is important to seek care from a trained urogynecologist for pelvic health issues and concerns. We hope the following provides answers to the questions you may initially have, and Dr. Peter M. Lotze, MD and his team remain available to answer any further questions you may have. Call us at 713-512-7810 with questions or to schedule your consultation. WHAT IS AN UROGYNECOLOGIST? An urogynecologist is a surgeon who has specialized in the care of women with pelvic floor disorders. An urogynecologist focuses on the pelvic floor, which is a set of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis that provides support for a woman’s internal organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. WHAT IS A PELVIC FLOOR DISORDER? A pelvic floor disorder occurs when women have weakened pelvic muscles or tears in the connective tissue due to excessive strain on the pelvis due to childbirth, repeated strenuous activity, menopause, chronic disease, or pelvic surgery. Other factors that can weaken the pelvic floor include repetitive heavy lifting, tobacco use, and genetics. WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DOES AN UROGYNECOLOGIST HAVE? Urogynecologists are physicians who have completed medical school and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology or Urology. These physicians become specialists with additional years of fellowship training and certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. The training consists of providing expertise in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the muscles and connective tissue of the female pelvic organs. These physicians are also knowledgeable on the latest research in the field pertaining to these conditions. It is recommended that your urogynecology of choice is Board-certified. Board certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery means that the physician has passed an exam from the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology and American Board of Urology attesting that a physician has exceptional expertise in this particular specialty. The first board certification exam was in 2013. For physicians completing training after 2012, they must have participated in an accredited fellowship in order to be eligible for board certification. ARE PELVIC HEALTH ISSUES LIKE INCONTINENCE, OVERSTRESSED BLADDER AND PROLAPSE (PROBLEMS WITH PELVIC ORGANS) ONLY AFFECT OLDER WOMEN? Unfortunately pelvic floor disorders can affect women of any age, and can typically be found in women in their 20s to their 80s. Some women feel like they are too young to have issues or too old to do anything about their discomfort or pain. But regardless of age, pelvic health issues can be treated, and consulting with a trained urogynecologist is the first step in understanding your options and gaining back your freedom to enjoy life. WHO ARE THE TYPICAL WOMEN WHO COME TO THE PETER M. LOTZE, MD OFFICE FOR UROGYN HELP? Despite the belief that pelvic floor disorders like prolapse or incontinence happens only to older women or those who have had children, pelvic health issues can happen to women of any age. Dr. Peter M. Lotze patients vary greatly by their age, ethnicity, where they live and the severity of their condition. But the one thing that is typical of common about all the patients that Dr. Peter M. Lotze cares for is the level of relief and freedom they achieve by going through a specialized and customized treatment program. WHY SHOULD I CONSULT WITH AN UROGYNECOLOGIST? Although your primary care physician, OB/GYN, or urologist may have knowledge about pelvic floor problems, a urogynecologist can offer additional expertise. You should see an urogynecologist when you have problems of prolapse, and/or troublesome urinary or fecal incontinence or when your primary doctor recommends consultation. Other problems for which you or your doctor might think about consulting an urogynecologist include problems with emptying the bladder or rectum, pelvic pain or bladder pain, fistulas, and the need for special expertise in vaginal surgery. The following are some problems that arise from damage to the pelvic floor: Incontinence: loss of bladder or bowel control, leakage of urine or feces. Prolapse: descent of pelvic organs; a bulge and/or pressure; ‘dropped uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum.’ Emptying Disorders: difficulty urinating or moving bowels. Overactive Bladder: frequent need to void, bladder pressure, urgency, urge incontinence (difficulty holding back urine when having the urge to urinate) Fistulas: abnormal hole between the vagina and rectum (rectovaginal), vagina and urethra (urethrovaginal), or vagina and the bladder (vesicovaginal) Getting a consultation is the first step in getting you the answers you need to find a solution that is best. IS SURGERY THE ONLY SOLUTION FOR PELVIC ISSUES LIKE INCONTINENCE OR PROLAPSE? Absolutely not. Surgery for some pelvic health conditions is a great option and will provide the relief that a woman seeks. In other cases, non-surgical options offer the best solution. Consulting with a Board certified urogynecologist would give you a better understanding of what is available and what the best treatment plan will be to achieve the results you desire. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY FIRST VISIT? Dr. Peter M. Lotze will review your medical history, read your vitals and do a physical exam to best understand your condition and your concerns. While the first visit may be different for each patient depending on her condition, Dr. Peter M. Lotze and his team will take the time, focus and attention to listen to your concerns and goals regarding your pelvic floor health. For more details on your first visit, click here for details, or call us at 713-512-7810 and we would be happy to answer any question you may have. WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE PETER M. LOTZE, MD AND HIS TEAM FOR MY UROGYN NEEDS? With nearly 20 years of experience, and as Houston’s first fellowship-trained urogynecologist, Dr. Peter M. Lotze has successfully diagnosed and treated a wide range of urogynecology issues. He was one of the first urogynecologist to be board-certified by the American Board of Medical Subspecialties in his field. He believes in individualizing each patient’s treatment plan and offering a variety of options that may include both surgical and nonsurgical strategies. He also believes that his patients should play and equal an active role in determining the treatment options that they feel most comfortable pursuing. Dr. Peter M. Lotze is continually referred to by his medical colleagues and patients because of his results, his professionalism and compassion. WILL I ALWAYS SEE DR. PETER M. LOTZE FOR OFFICE APPOINTMENTS? You will always see Dr. Peter M. Lotze for the initial, comprehensive consultation and at key appointments along the way depending upon the treatment plan. In addition, Dr. Peter M. Lotze team includes his medical assistants, his nurse practitioner (Annie Li) and his fellow, Dr. Holly Quillette. Each member of his team place an important role in helping his patient’s achieved the goals. The medical assistants often assist with examinations and performance of some office tests. His nurse practitioner, Annie Li, sees patients in the office Monday through Friday for some follow-up visits in complete some testing patients may require during their evaluation. Dr. Ouillette also assists Dr. Peter M. Lotze both in his clinic and at the hospital during surgery. Dr. Peter M. Lotze team takes your health and your needs very seriously and work together to help you achieve the results you need. HOW WILL DR. PETER M. LOTZE AND HIS TEAM KEEP MY DOCTOR OR OBGYN UPDATED ON MY PROGRESS? Dr. Peter M. Lotze greatly respects the relationship that a patient has with her primary doctor or OBGYN physician, and realizes that his team’s involvement will be for a short period of time until the pelvic health treatment plan is finalized. He believes strongly in comprehensive care, so Dr. Peter M. Lotze regularly communicates the patient’s treatment plan and progress to the primary care provider and provides a smooth transition back to the primary’s care once all the pelvic health concerns have been addressed and solved. From time to time, follow-up visits will be necessary with the patient and those progress notes will also be sent to a woman’s physician and any other medical provider that she designates. WHERE ARE PETER M. LOTZE, MD AND HIS TEAM LOCATED? WHAT ARE THE TEAM’S HOURS? Dr. Peter M. Lotze and his team are located in Houston and Woodlands, Texas. Texas Medical Center Office Address: 7900 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77054 Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30AM – 5:00PM. Dr. Lotze available on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30AM – 5:00PM. Nurse Practitioner available Monday through Friday from 8:30AM – 5:00PM. The Woodlands Office Address: Professional Building #4, 9180 Pinecroft, Suite 250, Shenandoah, TX 77380 Office Hours: Nurse Practitioner available every Fridays from 8:30AM – 2:00PM. To schedule an appointment, click here or call (713) 512-7810 and we would be happy to assist you. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BOOK NOW Dr. Peter M. Lotze, MD and his medically trained staff is here to help you. We look forward to delivering the care you need to achieve the freedom you deserve by addressing your pelvic health issues. Please call us with any questions you may have or to schedule an initial consultation. RESOURCES Patient Videos Forms FAQs My First Visit Blog Sitemap OFFICE HOURS Monday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Locations in Houston & The Woodlands (713) 512-7810 Built by Dymic Digital