Incontinence Sling – Another Solution For Stress Incontinence
Incontinence Sling Another Solution For Stress Incontinence
For women who suffer from severe stress incontinence there is a surgical solution known as an incontinence sling. When less invasive therapies fail to work satisfactorily, this procedure may be the best bet.
This form of incontinence is caused when the supporting muscle groups or the sphincters weaken and lose their tone. Without adequate support and strength, any little extra stress like a sneeze or laugh can cause an involuntary flow of urine. Unfortunately this is a problem that affects a great number of women, most of whom thing that the continence problem is just a natural part of the aging process.
It's not and it can be treated. A trip to your doctor's office will give you the options of therapies available.
Normally stress incontinence can be treated by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles using isometric exercises like Kegel exercises. But if this doesn't resolve the issue then a surgical solution may be called for.
The idea behind an incontinence sling is to insert a hammock like sling to support that applies pressure to the bladder and urethra thereby preventing uncontrolled passage of urine. The sling itself can be made of synthetic fiber or fibers taken from the patient's own body. Human fibers are preferred because it reduces the chance for inflammation and infection.
The most common method for inserting the incontinence sling is to make a small incision inside the vagina. The doctor then inserts two small anchors on the pubic bone to hold the sling in place. The sling is then inserted and attached to the anchors.
Any surgery carries risk but this incontinence sling procedure has been done successfully thousands of times. There is a draw back for sexually active women as they have to abstain from intercourse for a period of eight to twelve weeks to allow the vaginal incision to fully heal.