Minimally Invasive Gynecology: Stress Urinary Incontinence Surgery

Urinary incontinence / stress urinary incontinence affects many women and it is often never talked about or addressed.  Urinary incontinence stems from a variety of factors and most often comes from a lack of support from the pelvic diaphragm and weakening urethra.  Most patients first notice these symptoms when laughing or coughing.

Rejuvenic’s cosmetic gynecology OB-GYN doctors are here to help provide relief from the most common causes of urinary incontinence through minimally-invasive surgery. This surgery is done as an outpatient allowing return to normal activity and life in a very quick and safe manner.

Below are answers to common questions about urinary incontinence and treatments:

What is stress urinary incontinence? (SUI)

Stress incontinence is an involuntary loss of urine that occurs during physical activity, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. This affects many women and tends to happen after the child bearing years.  It seems to get worse with time and is very responsive to surgical management.
Any movement that puts pressure on the bladder (such as a sneeze) causes the urethra to lose its seal and allows urine to escape. 

If you have stress urinary incontinence, you may feel embarrassed, isolate yourself, or limit your work and social life, especially exercise and normal daily activities. With treatment, you'll likely be able to manage stress incontinence and improve your overall well-being and finally be yourself.

Stress Urinary Incontinence Risk Factors / Causes of Stress Urinary Incontinence

Childbirth - Pregnancy and childbirth can flatten, stretch, and weaken the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder neck and urethra.

Menopause - At menopause the ovaries stop producing estrogen. Lack of estrogen results in thinned tissues that line the urethra, a weakened sphincter mechanism that opens and closes the urethra, and weak bladder muscles


Other factors that may worsen urinary incontinence include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Illnesses that cause chronic coughing or sneezing
• Obesity
• Smoking, which can cause frequent coughing
• Diabetes, which can cause excess urine production and nerve damage
• Excess consumption of caffeine or alcohol
• Medications that cause a rapid increase in urine production
• Sports, such as tennis or running

What are the advantages of minimally invasive surgical procedures?
• The surgery time is usually less than 30 minutes
• Procedure offers a quick recovery time and minimal pain, patients can resume normal activities within a couple of days.
• Most patients will not require catheterization.
• Procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or light sedation in an outpatient setting
• Most patients are back to work the next day.

For your convenience:

Read about our other cosmetic gynecology services.

 

Contact us today with questions or to make an appointment with the OB-GYN surgeons within our Rejuvenic LA cosmetic gynecology clinic.