Solutions for Urinary Incontinence
An estimated 17 million American women share a common healthcare concern: the uncontrolled flow of urine from their bodies, a condition known as urinary incontinence. For some women, the condition is brought on by coughing, sneezing or exercise, For others, it is a strong urge to urinate and an inability to make it to the bathroom in time.
Stress urinary incontinence occurs when there is uncontrolled urine leakage during a physical activity like lifting, sneezing or coughing. It typically is the result of hypermobility, a shifting of the urethra and bladder neck from their normal positions, and intrinsic sphincter deficiency, a condition in which the urethral sphincter is unable to close tightly enough to hold urine in the bladder.
Any single condition or a combination of conditions can lead to stress incontinence. Pregnancy and childbirth, aging, medical conditions, infections, medications and obesity are common causes.
“Stress urinary incontinence limits lifestyles because of the embarrassment that accompanies odor and wetness,” explains Dr. Armity Simon. “Typically the symptoms worsen over time so lifestyles and relationships are compromised as the condition progresses.” With so many women affected, it is surprising that so few explore the options available to solve the problem.
One such solution is the female “sling” system for stress urinary incontinence. Doctors treat incontinence by surgically placing a narrow strip of material, called a sling, under the urethra to give it a point of support.
“The sling procedure is a minimally invasive, highly effective procedure,” says Dr. Simon. “It generally takes less than 20 minutes and commonly is performed on an outpatient basis.”
Most patients are continent immediately following the procedure and can resume non-strenuous activities within a few days.
Clinical studies support the enthusiasm that patients and physicians alike have for sling systems. One manufacturer, American Medical Systems of Minnetonka, Minn., reports a study in which more than 95% of patients remained completely dry and didn’t need any protection following the procedure with its MonarcTM Subfascial Hammock.
“The potential to give someone back their lifestyle before incontinence set in is great with sling systems,” says Dr. Simon. “It is life changing for so many patients, and yet such a straight forward procedure.”