Stress Urinary Incontinence Is Treatable

There are several non-surgical treatments to improve symptoms:

• Keep your weight in a normal range and lose weight, if you are overweight.
• Quit smoking.
• Do pelvic floor muscle exercises like Kegels (possibly with a physical therapist).
• Wear a pessary, a silicone device like a diaphragm that fits in the vagina.

You can also ask about urethral bulking injections, a low-risk, temporary procedure performed in the office. 

If these options do not solve your urinary leakage, ask your medical provider about surgery. Mid-urethral sling procedures are the most commonly performed SUI operation. They are safe, effective and improve quality of life for many women. 

About Mid-urethral Sling for Stress Urinary Incontinence

During a mid-urethral sling procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the vagina and then two small skin incisions near the pubic bone or in the groin area. Using specially designed needles, the surgeon positions a thin piece of synthetic mesh under the urethra. Next, the surgeon pulls the ends of the mesh through the skin incisions and adjusts them to provide the right amount of tension under the urethra. After the procedure, your tissues grow through the weave of the mesh. This typically takes several weeks and helps to secure the sling.

The two general types of mid-urethral slings are retropubic slings and transobturator slings. Your surgeon will recommend a specific sling based on your individual needs.

Most women (more than 90 percent) are happy with the outcome of mid-urethral sling surgery. Serious complications are uncommon. For some women, however, sling surgery is not successful and they may need more extensive surgery to correct the leakage. 

For more information about the Mid-urethral Sling download this PDF.