This rather common condition may develop as a result of weakening of the pelvic floor muscles due to childbirth, obesity, prior surgeries, radiation, or aging.
A thorough physical examination is important to understand the type of incontinence and its severity. As a first line treatment, behavioral modification, weight loss and Kegels pelvic floor muscle exercises can help many women. More severe types of incontinence may require complex urodynamic testing and cystoscopy.
At West Coast Urology we offer in-office rehabilitative treatments such as pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation. For the most severe cases that do not respond to conservative measures, surgical treatments may be necessary. We offer the following surgical treatments for the appropriately selected patients: injection of urethral bulking agents, Raz procedure, and robotic assisted Burch procedure. Vaginal and robotic assisted surgical techniques now allow for small incisions to correct female stress urinary incontinence in an out-patient setting. Except for rare instances, we generally do not use mesh products due to increased risk of complications.
For more in depth information on Stress Urinary Incontinence, please refer to this Urology Care Foundation™ link:
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment