Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women:
It's Common. It's Treatable.
Forty percent of women in the United States suffer from urinary incontinence. There are several different types of incontinence, but stress urinary incontinence is the most common type in women. And it's treatable.
A urethral sling is a good option after other means of non-surgical treatment have failed. The procedure itself takes approximately 30 minutes, can be performed as an outpatient procedure and is covered by most insurance.
Urethral slings stop urine leakage the way your body was designed to-by supporting your urethra. Normally the urethra is supported by the pelvic floor muscle to maintain a tight seal and prevent unwanted urine loss. When these muscles are weakened by chronic heavy lifting or straining, obesity or childbirth, the connective tissue no longer can support the urethra and urine leakage may happen. To correct this, Dr. Grover inserts a non-absorbable permanent ribbon-like strip of mesh underneath the urethra to provide support during times of stress, such as coughing or laughing. This keeps the urethra closed, preventing urine loss.
Recovery is virtually painless, and patients may be able to return home after a few hours or after a brief overnight stay. Depending on the type of sling used, you may or may not have any noticeable external incisions. Sometimes a urinary catheter is insterted through your urethra to drain urine from your bladder which stays in place until you leave the hospital. If your bladder does not empty properly, you may need to have the catheter for several days at home. You will be asked to avoid heavy lifting or intercourse for 4-6 weeks. All medical procedures have risks, and these will be discussed with you by Dr. Grover.
