Stress Incontinence: Characteristics & Treatment Options

stress incontinenceThere are several types of urinary incontinence, the involuntary leakage of urine. The most common type of incontinence in women is called stress urinary incontinence (SUI), which occurs when the accidental release of urine is caused by pressure applied to the bladder when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or lift something heavy.

Urology Specialists of Georgia offers several treatment options for those with stress incontinence, ranging from physical therapy and medication to surgery. Mesh sling surgery is an effective and minimally invasive treatment that has been a successful option for many of our patients. To learn more, schedule an appointment.

What Causes Stress Incontinence?

Stress incontinence has two main causes:

  1. When pelvic tissues and muscles become weak, the bladder neck descends, especially during bursts of physical activity. This makes the urethra unable to control the flow of urine.
  2. When the sphincter muscle, the muscle that controls the urethra, weakens, the muscle is unable to stop the flow of urine. This weakness can be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, aging, or after surgery.

Often, non-surgical treatments such as pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the weakened muscles and either eliminate or reduce stress incontinence. However, severe SUI that interferes with daily activity is best treated with surgery.

Mesh Sling Surgery to Treat Stress Incontinence

This surgery involves placing a sling made of synthetic mesh under the urethra to lift and support the urethra and bladder neck, preventing bladder leaks. This is a minimally invasive and safe surgery that has helped many women with stress incontinence.

Using mesh, rather than your own tissue or muscle, has several benefits:

  • The surgery is a fast, outpatient procedure
  • Recovery time is also fast
  • There is little to no risk of the mesh eroding

To determine if mesh sling surgery is right for your stress incontinence, schedule an appointment at Urology Specialists of Georgia. We are happy to discuss the many treatment options available to you. Call us today at 478-745-6576.