Making private matters public

Urogynaecology, a relatively new field of medicine, has recently come into the fore in Asia. Urogynaecologist Dr Arthur Tseng explains the importance of educating women about pelvic health.

What is urogynaecology?

Urogynaecologists are experienced in dealing with matters pertaining to the bladder, urethra, vagina, womb and rectum – three separate organ systems in the pelvic area, all at the same time. They treat certain conditions common in older women: say, urinary incontinence or a pelvic organ prolapse, where weakened connective and support tissues lead to displaced pelvic organs – for example, the bladder, small bowel or womb ‘going south’ through the vagina.

Personally, I find it very encouraging that the female population in Singapore is more aware of urogynaecology nowadays. For them, there are advantages to visiting a urogynaecologist over a urologist – as a woman over 50 who has gone through vaginal birth has a 45 percent chance of a pelvic organ prolapse involving the womb and bladder simultaneously; whereas urologists only deal with the bladder.

What are some of the misconceptions that the public has regarding male OB/GYNs or urogynaecologists?

I think it hinges on this belief that a lady will understand lady issues or childbirth better. I don't necessarily agree. At the end of the day, I believe that male and female doctors are equally well trained and experienced – it all depends on the individual’s experience and personality. What’s most important is that you must be comfortable with the doctor you choose. There should be a level of trust.

Why is there a social stigma around having frank, open discussions about gynaecological issues?

I think that it is due to multiple factors but, to a large degree, it is due to cultural differences. Girls and women in the US or Europe seem to be more aware of sex, pregnancy, STDs and how to protect themselves. Whereas in Asia, we are much more conservative – we are brought up believing that ‘vagina’ is a dirty word, and we don’t talk about the birds and the bees. I think that ignorance of these issues is pervasive in our society. It is unfortunate; women may constantly be in pain or leaking urine, negatively affecting their lifestyles and intimacy with their husbands, ultimately leading to a lack of psychological well-being. We need to send the message across that women do not have to suffer in silence over these potentially embarrassing problems.

What are some lifestyle changes that can help women prevent pelvic organ prolapses or other such conditions?

The most important piece of advice I can give, even to younger women, is this: do pelvic floor exercises, commonly known as Kegel exercises. Strengthening the pelvic floor helps to hold all the major pelvic organs and structures in place. Besides preventing a pelvic organ prolapse, it also allows you to control or relax your pelvic floor muscles during labour, considerably speeding up the process. This is why I am constantly pushing for pelvic floor education, among other topics, through public forum talks. Awareness and knowledge are empowering.

Dr Arthur Tseng is a consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist, sub-specialising in urogynaecology and pelvic reconstructive surgery at Gleneagles Hospital. He also runs his own practice, Arthur Tseng Women’s Health Services, at Gleneagles Medical Centre. It’s been described as ‘The Happy Clinic’ by his patients, because of the warm hospitality and exemplary care that Dr Tseng extends to everyone he encounters.

Arthur Tseng Women's Health Services 
6 Napier Road, #05-15 Gleneagles Medical Centre 
Singapore 258499 
Tel: +65 6333 5550 
www.arthurtsengwhs.com