Breaking the silence in women's urology

It’s a common misconception that urology is primarily a men’s specialty. In reality, urological issues are very common in women, but they are frequently kept under wraps. All too often, women who experience symptoms associated with pelvic prolapse, bladder and bowel control, and sexual dysfunction dismiss them as inevitable aspects of aging or motherhood, not realizing they are treatable. And for those who suspect there’s a medical concern afoot, it can be embarrassing to bring up — especially when getting care means sitting in a urology clinic waiting room that feels geared toward men. These barriers can delay diagnosis of symptoms, leaving women to suffer in silence, sometimes leading to anxiety, depression or more serious medical conditions that go undetected. Philanthropic support has helped provide the momentum to make the Houston Methodist Urology Clinic for Women a reality — the first and only center of its kind in the Greater Houston area. Launching in 2026, the clinic will be dedicated to elevating and advancing women’s urology care through unparalleled patient experiences, research, and training and education. Dr. Kobashi, the Judith Helmle Shaw and Roy Gordon Shaw, Jr. Centennial Chair in Urology — and one of only seven female urology department chairs in the nation — notes that patients will benefit from the elite clinical team’s personalized and compassionate care delivered in an environment specifically designed and tailored to meet the distinct needs of female patients. “Research plays a starring role in our plans to advance women’s urology,” says Dr. Kobashi. She explains that through the clinic, the Department of Urology will intensify its female-focused urological studies to enhance the effectiveness of treatments, improve diagnostic testing techniques and address a long-running underrepresentation of women in clinical trials.

We are deeply thankful for the generosity of all our supporters, who share our commitment to elevating urologic research, training and care, many of whom have made especially impactful gifts in the past five years, including the following.