Surgery for Female Urinary Incontinence

Female urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine, mainly triggered by abdominal pressure, such as when coughing or laughing. The main issues caused by this condition are loss of self-esteem and hygiene problems.

There are various treatment options for female urinary incontinence, including physiotherapy, medication, and behavioral changes.

Although these treatments can be effective, in some cases the only solution issurgical treatment for female urinary incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence in women is a condition whose impact lies not so much in the physiological or medical realm—since it does not pose a risk to the patient’s life—but rather in the psychological well-being of the affected woman.

This medical condition can lead to a loss of self-esteem and a reduction in personal autonomy. 

Female stress urinary incontinence involves urine leakage caused by increased abdominal pressure from physical activities such as coughing, laughing, running, or even walking.

It can also result from a gradual weakening of the sphincter muscle, which is responsible for controlling the urethra. This weakening may be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, or natural aging over time.

Another possible cause of stress urinary incontinence in women is weakened pelvic support. The muscles and tissues that support the urethra—such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum—can weaken and shift downward, resulting in the loss of support for the urethra. In such cases, urine leakage is very likely, or at the very least, urination becomes more difficult.

Several factors can contribute to the development of urinary incontinence, including:

• Family predisposition: Women whose mother or older sisters have suffered from incontinence are more likely to experience it themselves—especially if both the mother and grandmother have had the condition.
• Pregnancy: In addition to genetic predisposition, pregnancy is a common trigger for urinary incontinence. Nearly 50% of women who experience incontinence during pregnancy will continue to have symptoms within the next five years.
• Previous surgeries: Procedures such as hysterectomy or radiation therapy for tumors can also increase the likelihood of developing stress urinary incontinence.
• Other contributing factors: Obesity, chronic constipation, lung diseases, smoking, menopause, and certain medications can also increase the risk of urinary incontinence.

To manage the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, there are two main types of treatment: surgical and non-surgical.

Among the non-surgical options, we find the following:

• Behavioral changes:
  • Reduce fluid intake if you tend to drink excessively.
  • Go to the bathroom more frequently to avoid bladder overfilling.
  • Increase dietary fiber to promote regular bowel movements, as constipation can worsen incontinence.
  • Quit smoking to reduce coughing and bladder irritation.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they stimulate the bladder.
    
    
• Medications:
  A doctor may prescribe certain medications, which are usually more effective in women with mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence.
  
  
• Pelvic floor muscle training:
  These exercises (Kegel exercises) help strengthen the urethral sphincter and control urine leakage; they can be done discreetly, and almost anywhere.

If these methods are not effective, or if the results are not sufficient for the patient to live comfortably without inconvenience, surgery for female urinary incontinence is the most recommended option.

Do you have incontinence issues?

Request now a free surgical consultation with our Urology specialist to evaluate your case for Female Urinary Incontinence Surgery.

Make an appointment

The surgery for stress urinary incontinence is typically performed using the mid-urethral sling technique. This is the most common surgical intervention to address stress urinary incontinence. 

The sling is made of synthetic material. To place it, a small incision is made beneath the urethra through the vagina, and the sling is positioned just under the urethra using special needles. 

The procedure can be done in two ways:

1. The sling is placed behind the pubic bone through two small incisions in the abdomen.
2. The sling is placed beneath the pubic bone through small incisions at the top of the thigh.

This surgery generally takes about 30 minutes to perform, and recovery time is between 5 to 10 days until the discomfort subsides.

The main benefit of this procedure is the elimination of the problem ofstress urinary incontinence. In turn, this intervention brings psychological advantages, such as increased self-esteem and a greater sense of self-determination for the patient.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with anesthesia. However, there are also specific risks related to this technique:

• Urinary incontinence affects 1 in 4 women.
• Infections and disorders of the urinary tract.
• If a synthetic sling is used, the body may reject it. If this occurs, another surgery will be needed to correct it.
• In cases with a sling, multiple interventions may be required if the mesh becomes too tight.

In this case, the hospital stay is minimal, and generally, the patient can leave the hospital on the same day as the surgery. 

Full recovery will depend on each individual case, but typically, discomfort will subside within 4 to 5 days. 

However, it is possible that recovery may take up to two weeks. Your doctor will advise you when it is safe to resume sexual activity, exercise, or your daily routine based on your specific case.

If you are considering a safe and fast solution to your urinary incontinence problem, under the care of expert urologists, you can request a free surgical assessment consultation by clicking the image below or by calling our Patient Service Team in +34 91 141 33 56:

Do you have incontinence issues?

Request now a free surgical consultation with our Urology specialist to evaluate your case for Female Urinary Incontinence Surgery.

Make an appointment