UROGYNAECOLOGIST
Dr Usama Shahid
MBBS (Hons), FRANZCOG, CU
Illawarra's dedicated
pelvic floor subspecialist
Pelvic organ prolapse
Urinary incontinence
Overactive bladder
Pelvic organ prolapse
Urinary incontinence
Overactive bladder
Usama is an Illawarra local, having grown up in Shellharbour. After completing his high schooling in Wollongong, Usama ventured north to QLD to complete his medical schooling, gynaecology and subspecialist Urogynaecology training at the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital. Now along with his wife (a Paediatrician) and growing family he has returned and is proud to call Wollongong home.
Usama's comprehensive subspecialty training in minimally invasive surgery, conservative management, urodynamic services, vaginal mesh removal surgery and laparoscopic pelvic floor repairs allows him to provide tailored care to optimise outcomes for your pelvic health.
A prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs drop or descend out of their normal position due to weakness or damage to the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments.
Women often describe a 'bulge' like sensation, which could be the vagina (including bowel or bladder) or the uterus itself. These can also occur following a previous surgery, known as recurrent prolapse.
There are a vast array of treatment options available including both non surgical and surgical approaches. Usama's approach to management is based on your symptoms, concerns and preferences with a focus on minimally invasive surgery led care.
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine and is a common issue for women, particularly after childbirth or during menopause. There are two main types; stress incontinence which occurs when laughing, coughing, sneezing or jumping and urge incontinence in which the sensation to urinate is difficult to defer.
After a thorough history and examination, urodynamics is a diagnostic test used to assess bladder and urethra function, helping to diagnose and inform treatment options for incontinence and exclude other dysfunction.
The treatment options depend on the type of incontinence you have and your preferences for management.
An overactive bladder is the presence of urinary urgency (where one finds it hard to defer the sensation to urinate) and occurs in the absence of a urinary tract infection.
It is often associated with frequent urination, waking up at night to urinate and difficulties controlling urination.
Treatment includes conservative measures with double/timed voiding, reduction in bladder irritants, bladder retraining, medications and surgical options including bladder botulinum toxin and sacral nerve modulators.
Recurrent urinary tract infections are a common concern for women and can be associated with pelvic floor disorders.
They can be caused by structural reasons (like prolapse, bladder stones, mesh complications), certain medical conditions like diabetes or post menopausal hormonal changes.
Treatment options include oral medications, injections, vaccines and if required gynaecological mesh removal.
Bladder pain syndrome is a chronic pain that typically occurs during bladder filling and is relieved with voiding.
Often a time there is no identifiable cause but other issues like pelvic mesh and ovarian cysts need to be excluded.
Treatment options include lifestyle factors, medications, bladder injections and sacral nerve modulators.
Patients with prolapse and incontinence can unfortunately suffer in silence for decades.
Treatment options are tailored to your needs as a unique individual.
There are two broad pathways for management:
Non-surgical treatment options for urinary incontinence may include pelvic floor rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, pessary devices and medications.
Native tissue procedures for prolapse repair like anterior/posterior colporraphies and sacrospinous fixation. This includes uterine preserving options for future pregnancies.
Complex laparoscopic procedures like sacrocolpopexy and burch colposuspension.
Treatments for urinary incontinence including both stress and urge incontinence including bladder botox, sacral nerve modulators and urethral bulking agents.
Urogynaecologists have spent extra time subspecialising in issues of the pelvic floor. Through advanced surgical training, research, examinations and a stringent curriculum they have developed a more in depth understanding of pelvic floor dysfunction.
This allows for a more robust development of personalised treatment plans for you with the backing of the most up to date and modern treatment techniques.
Being based and brought up in Wollongong enables Usama to understand the needs of Illawarra locals and he is proud to practice urogynaecology in the community he calls home.
Take the first step towards tackling your pelvic floor dysfunction and reclaiming your life. Request an appointment today.
Not necessarily. Management options involve doing watching and waiting (and observing progress), conservative (or non surgical options) and then surgical options. Dr Shahid will discuss all available options for your prolapse as an individualised experience. The decision to proceed with any management is always your choice.
This depends on the nature of your employment, your background health and the type of surgery you have had. For most patients if you work from a desk, the discomfort after surgery usually subsides fully at around the 2 week mark but most patients return back to work 4 weeks after major surgery.If your job involves lifting >5kg (and no other duties can be allocated to you), then we recommend you take a full 6 weeks off work following surgery, to allow your body to fully heal.
A 'rule of thumb' is that most patients can drive following surgery when they are pain free and able to slam the brakes on in an emergency. While this varies person to person and depends on the specific procedure you have had, most patients can achieve this around 1-2 weeks for laparoscopic repairs and around 3-4 weeks following vaginal repairs. It is essential to contact your insurance company to clarify specific restrictions associated with your individual policy.
We focus on providing clear, transparent pricing. Because every patient’s situation is slightly different, we provide a personalised, itemised quote after your consultation – so you know exactly what to expect before making any decisions. Urogynaecology procedures do have Medicare rebates but the exact out-of-pocket cost varies depending on the type of procedure, your private health insurance and individual situation. Please contact our rooms for further queries.
Yes, referrals are required in order for you to obtain Medicare rebates. Please see your GP and mention you want a referral to see Dr Usama Shahid or otherwise contact our rooms and we will guide you to known GP’s for referrals.
Anytime you are bothered by your symptoms and they are affecting your quality of life. All options for management will be openly discussed with you. There are treatments available.
Pelvic floor health is personal, and Dr Shahid understands that. He is committed to making every patient feel at ease. Your first consultation is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms in a confidential, supportive environment. Dr Shahid will take a history, perform an examination to assess your pelvic floor and if needed do further tests like urodynamics and ultrasound before having a robust discussion about options available to you. Thus allowing you to make an informed decision about your care.
