Metropolitan Urology Group

Female Urinary Incontinence

The "golden years" are not what they should be in the realm of urology. As men develop prostate problems women can develop bladder problems. One of the most common problem is associated with urinary incontinence or "leakage of urine". You are not alone; the Physicians of Metropolitan Urology can help you with this annoying yet treatable condition. Our physicians are expert in this field of study having treated hundreds of women with either non surgical or surgical treatment for this condition.

Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary leakage of urine. This can happen as a result of physical activity such as coughing, sneezing or simply standing up. Often times this condition has what we call "mixed symptoms" of why urine is leaking.

To understand urinary incontinence an explanation of bladder function would be nice. The bladder is a muscular organ a "reservoir" for bodily waste that is manufactured in the kidneys and travels to the bladder via the ureters.

Elimination of urine is a normal voluntary process for adults, while complicated involving various nerves and muscles, the urinary bladder is quite impressive in its role.

As women age the mobility or tone of the bladder is lost. Women experience an inability to hold urine which can result in leakage. Frequency and urgency can also be associated. Not only can these symptoms be embarrassing, they can also cause emotional distress

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT:
Once a consultation is made with one of our physicians you will decide on the type of treatment based on recommendations from your doctor.
In many cases non-surgical treatment is a good choice. This is true if your symptoms are mild, or simply are not that bothersome.

PESSARY: A pessary is a "donut" like device that is worn in the vaginal area. this device helps support the bladder. It is fitted by your physician in the office. A pessary can ease symptoms, is comfortable and is routinely replaced every 6 weeks. However a pessary does not repair bladder prolapsed or leaking.

KEGEL EXERCISES: Simple exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles thus allowing some relief from symptoms. These exercises involve contracting the pelvic floor almost as if you need to urinate then you simply hold the urine.

MEDICATION: Your physician may suggest medical therapy to relieve symptoms of urinary incontinence. These medications have proven themselves quite effective for many women, with little or no side effects.

SURGICAL TREATMENT:
You and your physician have decided on surgery to relieve your symptoms of urinary incontinence. Upon leaving our office a representative of our surgical department will contact you regarding scheduling the procedure. At that time our staff will assist you with any further questions that you may have, and "walk" you thru the operative phase.

TVT SLING: Tension Free Vaginal Sling: This minor invasive procedure involves supporting the urethra. Makes sense! If support has been lost, this allows for repair. This procedure requires a general anesthesia and is performed in a hospital and is considered a day surgery. You surgeon will apply this thin "mesh" material on either side of your urethra, once applied your doctor will then adjust the sling based on his expertise to minimize the amount of urinary leakage.

Based on various types of slings some require 2 small incisions, others do not. Regardless this procedure results in number 1 NO Leakage and number 2. Little or no post operative pain. Our surgical staff will contact you the next day to inquire how you are feeling and to give further instructions.