URINARY INCONTINENCE
- TVT Urethral Sling Medications & Prelief®
- Urethral implant bulking agents
What is stress urinary incontinence?
The most common form of incontinence is called stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Over 13 million Americans suffer from incontinence; 85% of them are women.
SUI is the result of the body's inability to prevent accidental urine leakage with abdominal pressure is exerted on the bladder. Simple daily activities such as laughing, sneezing, coughing, jogging, dancing and lifting are enough to trigger accidental urine loss.
SUI is not a disease and it is not a natural or inevitable part of aging. SUI is also not related to physiological stress. It is, however, a serious medical condition that can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or lifestyle.
TVT Urethral Sling
The TVT urethral sling is the most commonly performed surgery for stress urinary incontinence. During the procedure a strip of mesh tape is inserted under the urethra to create a supportive sling. Studies have shown the seven to ten year success rate to be approximately 80%.
Advantages of the TVT
- A short 30 to 45 minute outpatient procedure.
- Two tiny incisions in the pubic area and a small vaginal incision.
- Minimal discomfort.
- Return to most activities within one week.
- Immediate results.
Risks of the TVT:
Complications, although rare, can occur from the TVT procedure which include:
- Difficulty urinating.
- Partial urinary retention.
- Complete urinary retention, which could require another procedure.
- Injury to blood vessels.
- Bowel or bladder injury.
Overactive Bladder
Millions of people in the US suffer from over active bladder symptoms (OAB) i.e., urinary frequency, urinary urgency, getting up at nighttime, and urge incontinence. We used to think this was just a problem that affected women, but almost as many men suffer from OAB as women. The cause of this problem is unknown in most situations, but one aggravating factor is dietary irritants, i.e., coffee, soda, tea, cranberry juice, citrus drinks, and spicy food. There are a few different treatment options depending on the cause of your condition.