Current status of the subspecialty of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery

The clinical problems of pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence that affect women due to their unique role in reproduction have helped define the field of obstetrics and gynecology over the last 150 years. The recent identification of female pelvic medicine/reconstructive surgery as an area of subspecialization within obstetrics and gynecology recognizes the growing strength of this discipline. A total of 37 accredited fellowship programs exist at leading academic institutions and membership in specialty-associated societies has more than doubled in the last 15 years. Research support from the National Institutes of Health and foundations has led to exciting basic and translational research as well as well-designed and well-conducted multicenter randomized clinical trials. Continued efforts should allow this field to establish the same national infrastructure present in the other long-established subspecialties.