Dr. Ginger N. Cathey, MD

Dr. Ginger N. Cathey Urogynecologist and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Ginger N. Cathey is a board-certified urogynecologist providing medical, procedural, and surgical care for women with pelvic floor and bladder-control disorders.

Her clinical work includes urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, difficulty emptying the bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal pressure, bladder fistulas, and other conditions affecting pelvic support and urinary function.

Dr. Cathey also has advanced training in minimally invasive gynecological surgery. Her listed procedures include cystoscopy, bladder Botox injections, urethral bulking, vaginal sling placement, prolapse repair, hysterectomy, sacral nerve stimulation, and laparoscopic repair of selected bladder fistulas.

She practises at Women’s Pelvic Restorative Center in Houston, Texas, where she accepts new patients and offers virtual appointments for suitable concerns.

Patients comparing pelvic health specialists may also read about Dr. Hilaire W. Fisher’s urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic care.

Doctor Information

Name: Dr. Ginger N. Cathey, MD, FACOG, FPMRS
Specialty: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Additional Specialty: Gynecology
Board Certifications: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and Gynecology
Undergraduate Education: Tulane University
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport
Medical Degree Completed: 1999
Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine
Residency Completed: 2003
Fellowship: Advanced Gynecological Endoscopy, University of Louisville School of Medicine
Fellowship: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine
Fellowship Training Completed: 2006
Practice: Women’s Pelvic Restorative Center
Primary Location: Houston, Texas
Hospital Affiliation: The Woman’s Hospital of Texas
Languages Listed: English
Virtual Visits: Available for suitable appointments
Accepting New Patients: Yes, according to the current practice profile

About Dr. Ginger N. Cathey

Dr. Cathey completed her undergraduate education at Tulane University, earning a degree in cell and molecular biology in 1995.

She then attended Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport and received her medical degree in 1999.

Dr. Cathey continued her postgraduate education through an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. She completed residency training in 2003.

Her advanced fellowship education took place at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She first trained in gynecological endoscopy and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.

She then completed further fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, bladder disorders, and reconstructive pelvic procedures.

This combined background allows Dr. Cathey to consider non-surgical treatment, office-based procedures, and reconstructive surgery according to the patient’s diagnosis, health, previous treatment, and personal goals.

Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery is a subspecialty concerned with pelvic support, bladder control, urination, and selected bowel-related pelvic symptoms.

The pelvic floor includes muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, and nerves that support the:

• Bladder
• Urethra
• Uterus
• Vagina
• Rectum
• Other pelvic structures

When these tissues weaken, stretch, become injured, or stop coordinating correctly, a patient may develop leakage, pressure, bulging, difficulty emptying the bladder, or problems during physical activity.

Dr. Cathey may evaluate conditions such as:

• Stress urinary incontinence
• Urgency urinary incontinence
• Mixed urinary incontinence
• Overactive bladder
• Frequent urination
• Nighttime urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Vaginal vault prolapse
• Bladder prolapse
• Uterine prolapse
• Rectocele
• Bladder fistulas
• Pelvic floor weakness
• Symptoms after previous pelvic surgery

These conditions are common, but patients may delay care because they feel embarrassed or believe the symptoms are an unavoidable part of ageing.

Assessment can identify the likely cause and explain whether conservative treatment, an office procedure, or surgery may be suitable.

Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic floor disorders may develop after changes involving pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, ageing, surgery, or repeated physical pressure.

Factors that may contribute include:

• Vaginal childbirth
• Multiple pregnancies
• Menopause
• Previous hysterectomy
• Other pelvic operations
• Chronic constipation
• Repeated straining
• Persistent coughing
• Heavy lifting
• Connective-tissue weakness
• Neurological disease
• Weight-related pressure on pelvic tissues

The symptoms depend on which structures are affected.

One patient may mainly experience leakage while coughing or exercising. Another may feel vaginal heaviness or a bulge. Some patients have several urinary and prolapse symptoms at the same time.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence means urine leaks when the patient does not intend it to.

Leakage may range from a few drops to a larger loss that affects clothing, sleep, exercise, travel, work, or confidence in social settings.

Dr. Cathey may determine which type of urinary incontinence is present before recommending treatment.

Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence causes leakage when pressure inside the abdomen increases.

Common triggers include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Laughing
• Running
• Jumping
• Lifting
• Exercise
• Standing from a seated position

This form of leakage may develop when the tissues supporting the urethra and bladder outlet have weakened.

Treatment may include pelvic floor therapy, a vaginal support device, urethral bulking, or sling surgery.

Urgency Urinary Incontinence

Urgency urinary incontinence involves a sudden and difficult-to-control need to urinate followed by leakage.

Other symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination
• Nighttime urination
• Leakage before reaching the toilet
• Urgency triggered by running water
• Difficulty delaying urination
• Disruption of sleep or travel

Treatment may involve bladder training, medication, pelvic floor therapy, bladder Botox injections, or sacral nerve stimulation.

Mixed Urinary Incontinence

Mixed urinary incontinence includes both stress-related and urgency-related leakage.

Dr. Cathey may identify which symptom has the greatest effect on daily life and explain which treatment addresses each problem.

A procedure designed for stress leakage may not correct urgency, while overactive bladder treatment may not prevent leakage during coughing or exercise.

Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder commonly causes urinary urgency, frequency, nighttime urination, and sometimes leakage.

A patient may feel the need to locate a bathroom immediately, limit travel, avoid exercise, or wake several times during the night.

Evaluation may include:

• Review of urinary habits
• Medication assessment
• Urine testing
• Pelvic examination
• Bladder diary
• Measurement of retained urine
• Urodynamic testing
• Cystoscopy in selected cases

Initial treatment may involve fluid-timing changes, bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, physical therapy, or medication.

More advanced treatment may be considered when symptoms remain disruptive.

Bladder Diary

A bladder diary records urinary habits during normal daily life.

Patients may be asked to note:

• What they drink
• Approximate fluid amounts
• Times they urinate
• Episodes of urgency
• Leakage events
• Activity occurring during leakage
• Number of nighttime bathroom visits
• Use of pads or protective products

The diary may help distinguish excessive urine production, urgency, stress leakage, and habits that contribute to frequent urination.

Recording several typical days often provides more useful information than trying to remember every event during the appointment.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse develops when weakened support tissues allow one or more pelvic structures to move downward toward the vaginal opening.

Prolapse may involve the:

• Bladder
• Uterus
• Vaginal walls
• Top of the vagina after hysterectomy
• Rectum
• Small intestine

Possible symptoms include:

• Vaginal pressure
• Pelvic heaviness
• A visible or noticeable bulge
• Symptoms worsening while standing
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Incomplete bowel movements
• Lower-back pressure
• Discomfort during sexual activity
• The need to press on the vagina to urinate or pass stool

The degree of prolapse seen during examination does not always match the severity of symptoms.

Treatment decisions should consider how the condition affects everyday activity, bladder function, bowel movements, comfort, and personal preferences.

Bladder Prolapse

Bladder prolapse, also called cystocele or anterior vaginal wall prolapse, occurs when the bladder pushes against the front vaginal wall.

Symptoms may include:

• Vaginal pressure
• A bulge near the vaginal opening
• Difficulty starting urination
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Frequent urination
• Recurrent urinary symptoms
• Leakage
• Discomfort during physical activity

Treatment may include pelvic floor therapy, a pessary, observation, or reconstructive surgery.

The recommended approach depends on symptom severity, prolapse stage, medical health, previous surgery, and treatment goals.

Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus moves downward because its supporting tissues have weakened.

Possible symptoms include:

• Pelvic heaviness
• Vaginal bulging
• Lower-back pressure
• Urinary changes
• Bowel symptoms
• Discomfort during sexual activity
• Difficulty remaining physically active

Treatment does not always require hysterectomy.

Depending on the condition and patient preference, Dr. Cathey may discuss a pessary, physical therapy, uterine-preserving repair, or surgery that removes the uterus and restores pelvic support.

Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Vaginal vault prolapse may occur after hysterectomy when the upper part of the vagina loses support and moves downward.

Symptoms may include:

• A vaginal bulge
• Pressure or heaviness
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Bowel movement problems
• Pelvic discomfort
• Symptoms worsening later in the day

Reconstructive surgery may restore support to the upper vagina.

The procedure may be completed through the vagina or through small abdominal incisions, depending on anatomy, earlier operations, and the required repair.

Rectocele

A rectocele occurs when the rectum pushes against the back wall of the vagina.

It may cause:

• Vaginal bulging
• Incomplete bowel movements
• Repeated straining
• Pelvic pressure
• The need to press on the vaginal wall
• Discomfort during sexual activity
• A feeling that stool remains trapped

Not every rectocele requires surgery.

Treatment may begin with changes that improve stool consistency, reduce straining, and strengthen or retrain the pelvic floor.

Surgical repair may be considered when symptoms remain significant despite conservative care.

Pessary Care

A pessary is a removable device placed inside the vagina to support pelvic organs or reduce selected forms of urinary leakage.

Pessary care may involve:

• Choosing the correct size and shape
• Initial fitting
• Checking comfort
• Teaching removal and cleaning when suitable
• Monitoring vaginal tissue
• Adjusting the fit when symptoms change
• Replacing the device when required

A pessary may be useful for patients who want to avoid surgery, postpone an operation, or manage symptoms while another medical condition is treated.

Regular follow-up is important because a poorly fitting or neglected device can cause irritation, discharge, bleeding, or tissue injury.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy strengthens or retrains muscles involved in bladder control, bowel function, and pelvic support.

Therapy may include:

• Pelvic floor muscle exercises
• Muscle coordination training
• Bladder-control strategies
• Breathing techniques
• Posture and movement guidance
• Biofeedback
• Relaxation of tight pelvic muscles
• Bowel habit education

Pelvic floor exercises are most effective when the correct muscles are identified and used consistently.

A specialist therapist may determine whether the muscles are weak, tight, painful, or poorly coordinated.

Urodynamic Testing

Urodynamic testing evaluates how the bladder stores and releases urine.

It may be considered when:

• The cause of leakage is unclear
• Several urinary symptoms occur together
• Previous treatment has not helped
• Surgery is being considered
• The bladder does not empty fully
• A neurological condition may affect urination
• Symptoms continue after previous pelvic surgery

Testing may measure bladder pressure, urine flow, bladder capacity, leakage, and urine remaining after urination.

Results should be interpreted together with symptoms, examination findings, and treatment history.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy allows Dr. Cathey to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra with a narrow viewing instrument.

It may be recommended for:

• Blood in the urine
• Recurrent urinary symptoms
• Persistent bladder discomfort
• Suspected bladder injury
• Problems after pelvic surgery
• Fistula evaluation
• Unclear urinary symptoms
• Assessment before or after selected procedures

Dr. Cathey’s official procedure list includes cystoscopy.

The examination may take place in an office or procedural setting depending on the reason for testing and the type of anaesthesia needed.

Difficulty Emptying the Bladder

Some patients are unable to empty the bladder fully.

Possible symptoms include:

• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine flow
• Repeated straining
• Frequent small urinations
• Lower abdominal pressure
• Leakage from an overly full bladder
• Recurrent urinary infections
• A feeling that urine remains

Dr. Cathey may measure the amount of urine left after urination and assess whether prolapse, medication, muscle coordination, nerve function, or obstruction is contributing.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include medication changes, pelvic floor therapy, catheter use, prolapse treatment, or another procedure.

Bladder Botox Injections

Dr. Cathey’s listed procedures include bladder Botox injections for selected patients with overactive bladder or urgency incontinence.

The medicine is placed into the bladder wall to reduce unwanted bladder muscle contractions.

It may help decrease:

• Sudden urgency
• Frequent urination
• Urgency-related leakage
• Nighttime urination

The effects are temporary, and repeat treatment may be needed.

Some patients may temporarily have difficulty emptying the bladder after treatment. Dr. Cathey can explain the expected benefit, follow-up plan, and possibility of catheter use.

Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Dr. Cathey’s practice lists InterStim sacral neuromodulation among her procedures.

Sacral nerve stimulation sends mild electrical signals to nerves involved in bladder and bowel control.

It may be considered for selected patients with:

• Urgency urinary incontinence
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary frequency
• Non-obstructive urinary retention
• Certain bowel-control symptoms

Treatment commonly begins with a test phase.

A longer-term device may be considered when the test period shows meaningful improvement.

Patients should understand device care, follow-up needs, possible complications, and whether future imaging could require special planning.

Urethral Bulking

Urethral bulking is a minimally invasive treatment for selected patients with stress urinary incontinence.

Material is injected around the urethra to improve closure and reduce leakage.

Possible advantages include:

• A short procedure
• No abdominal incision
• Limited recovery
• An alternative for some patients who prefer to avoid sling surgery

The improvement may not be permanent, and repeat injections may be needed.

The likelihood of benefit depends on the cause and severity of leakage.

Vaginal Sling Surgery

Dr. Cathey’s listed procedures include vaginal sling placement for urinary incontinence.

A sling supports the urethra and may reduce leakage during coughing, sneezing, lifting, or exercise.

Before surgery, patients may discuss:

• Expected improvement
• Type of sling
• Anaesthesia
• Bladder-emptying concerns
• Bleeding and infection
• Urinary urgency
• Pain
• Material-related considerations
• Recovery restrictions
• Non-surgical alternatives

A sling is primarily intended to treat stress urinary incontinence. It may not correct urgency or frequent urination.

Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

Pelvic reconstructive surgery restores support to pelvic organs and vaginal tissues.

Dr. Cathey’s listed surgical services include laparoscopic and vaginal repair of prolapse involving the uterus, vagina, and bladder.

Reconstruction may be considered for:

• Bladder prolapse
• Uterine prolapse
• Vaginal vault prolapse
• Rectocele
• Several prolapsed areas
• Recurrent prolapse after previous surgery

The operation may be performed through the vagina or through small abdominal incisions.

The safest approach depends on the type of prolapse, previous procedures, general health, sexual function, and personal treatment goals.

Colpocleisis

Dr. Cathey performs colpocleisis for selected patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

This procedure closes part or most of the vaginal canal to support prolapsed organs.

It may be considered for patients who:

• Have significant prolapse
• Do not plan future vaginal intercourse
• Prefer a shorter reconstructive procedure
• Have health factors that make a more extensive operation less suitable

Colpocleisis is intended to be permanent.

Patients need a clear discussion about how it affects vaginal function before deciding whether it matches their needs.

Hysterectomy

Dr. Cathey’s listed services include laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomy.

A hysterectomy removes the uterus and may be considered when prolapse or another gynecological condition cannot be managed adequately through conservative treatment.

Before surgery, patients may discuss:

• Why hysterectomy is being considered
• Whether uterine-preserving treatment is available
• Whether the cervix will be removed
• Whether the ovaries should remain
• Which prolapse repairs will be performed
• The planned surgical approach
• Recovery restrictions
• Possible complications

The ovaries are separate from the uterus and are not automatically removed during hysterectomy.

Pregnancy is no longer possible after the uterus is removed.

Bladder Fistula Repair

A bladder fistula is an abnormal connection between the bladder and another pelvic structure, commonly the vagina.

Possible symptoms include:

• Continuous urinary leakage
• Wetness unrelated to urgency
• Recurrent urinary infection
• Symptoms beginning after pelvic surgery
• Vaginal passage of urine

Evaluation may involve cystoscopy, imaging, dye testing, or examination under anaesthesia.

Dr. Cathey’s official procedure list includes laparoscopic repair of bladder fistulas.

Repair may be complex, particularly when the patient has significant scarring, previous radiation, infection, or several earlier operations.

Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery

Dr. Cathey completed fellowship training in advanced gynecological endoscopy.

Minimally invasive procedures use a camera and specialised instruments placed through small incisions or natural openings.

These techniques may include:

• Laparoscopy
• Hysteroscopy
• Vaginal surgery
• Minimally invasive hysterectomy
• Prolapse repair
• Fistula repair

Potential benefits may include smaller incisions, less postoperative discomfort, and a shorter recovery than traditional open surgery.

Not every patient or condition is suitable for a minimally invasive approach. Previous surgery, anatomy, scar tissue, medical health, and surgical complexity can influence the safest method.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy allows a physician to examine the inside of the uterus using a narrow camera placed through the cervix.

Dr. Cathey’s listed procedures include hysteroscopy.

It may be used to evaluate:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Uterine polyps
• Fibroids affecting the uterine cavity
• Thickened uterine lining
• Certain abnormal imaging findings

Some growths may be treated during the same procedure.

The type of anaesthesia and recovery period depend on whether the hysteroscopy is diagnostic or includes treatment.

Endometrial Ablation

Dr. Cathey’s official profile lists endometrial ablation among her procedures.

Endometrial ablation treats heavy menstrual bleeding by destroying or removing much of the uterine lining.

It may be considered when:

• Heavy bleeding affects daily life
• Medication has not provided enough improvement
• Testing has not found a condition requiring a different treatment
• Future pregnancy is not desired

Pregnancy after endometrial ablation can be dangerous, so reliable contraception may still be needed.

The procedure is not appropriate for every cause of abnormal bleeding and is not used when a patient plans future pregnancy.

Treatment Without Surgery

Meeting with a pelvic reconstructive surgeon does not mean surgery is automatically required.

Dr. Cathey may recommend:

• Bladder training
• Pelvic floor physical therapy
• Lifestyle adjustments
• Medication
• Pessary use
• Treatment of constipation
• Fluid-timing changes
• Vaginal tissue treatment
• Urethral bulking
• Bladder Botox injections
• Sacral nerve stimulation
• Continued observation

Surgery may be considered when symptoms remain disruptive, pelvic support is significantly affected, or conservative treatment has not provided enough relief.

Preparing for a Urogynecology Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A complete medication list
• Previous pelvic surgery records
• Earlier bladder-test results
• Urine-test results
• Imaging reports
• Pregnancy and delivery history
• A list of medication allergies
• Notes about urinary or bowel symptoms
• A bladder diary when requested
• Questions about treatment

It may help to record:

• When leakage occurs
• What activity triggers leakage
• How often urination is needed
• Number of nighttime bathroom visits
• Whether a vaginal bulge is present
• Whether symptoms worsen while standing
• Whether bladder or bowel emptying feels incomplete

Clear information helps Dr. Cathey identify which symptoms require the most attention.

Preparing for Pelvic Surgery

Patients approved for surgery may require medical testing and practical planning.

Preparation may include:

• Blood tests
• Urine testing
• Medication review
• Anaesthesia assessment
• Heart testing when appropriate
• Diabetes management
• Treatment of active infection
• Instructions about food and drink
• Transportation arrangements
• Planning for help at home
• Temporary work and lifting restrictions

Patients should provide complete information about prescriptions, non-prescription medicines, vitamins, supplements, and allergies.

Blood thinners and some diabetes medicines may require special instructions. Patients should not stop prescribed treatment without guidance.

Recovery After Pelvic Surgery

Recovery depends on the procedure, surgical approach, general health, and whether several repairs were performed together.

Instructions may cover:

• Incision care
• Vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Pain management
• Bladder function
• Bowel care
• Walking
• Lifting restrictions
• Driving
• Returning to work
• Sexual activity
• Follow-up appointments

Constipation and straining may place pressure on healing pelvic tissues.

Patients may receive instructions about hydration, activity, food, and medicine used to keep bowel movements comfortable.

Virtual Visits

Dr. Cathey’s current practice profile states that she offers virtual visits.

A virtual appointment may be useful for:

• Reviewing test results
• Discussing stable symptoms
• Medication follow-up
• Preparing for a procedure
• Reviewing treatment response
• Postoperative follow-up when an examination is not required

Pelvic examinations, bladder testing, cystoscopy, pessary fitting, injections, and surgical procedures require an appropriate in-person setting.

The practice can determine which appointment type is suitable.

Coordinated Pelvic Healthcare

Pelvic floor conditions may involve several areas of healthcare.

Dr. Cathey may coordinate treatment with:

• Obstetricians and gynecologists
• Urologists
• Colorectal surgeons
• Pelvic floor physical therapists
• Primary care physicians
• Gastroenterologists
• Radiologists
• Other pelvic reconstructive surgeons

Coordination is especially useful when symptoms affect both urinary and bowel function or when a patient has undergone several previous pelvic procedures.

Patients needing broader obstetric or gynecological care may also review Dr. Dawn D. Black’s OB-GYN profile.

Patient-Centered Urogynecology Care

Dr. Cathey provides pelvic healthcare based on each patient’s symptoms, examination findings, bladder function, previous treatment, medical history, and personal preferences.

Her services may include urinary incontinence assessment, overactive bladder treatment, prolapse care, pessary management, cystoscopy, urodynamic testing, bladder Botox injections, sacral nerve stimulation, urethral bulking, sling surgery, hysterectomy, and reconstructive pelvic procedures.

Patients should confirm current appointment availability, accepted insurance plans, virtual-visit eligibility, hospital participation, procedure locations, and referral requirements directly with Women’s Pelvic Restorative Center.