How to End Embarrassing Incontinence by Putting your Leaky, Overactive Bladder in a "Hammock"

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By sneedc
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stop annoying leaks

Loss of bladder control, also known as urinary incontinence, affects between 15-60 percent of women. Fifteen million (both young and elderly women) suffer from stress incontinence, which is involuntary leakage of urine from sneezing, coughing, lifting heavy things, or laughing. I know how annoying and frustrating this is, because I once suffered from this problem until my urologist put my bladder in, what's known as, a "vaginal sling." This might be an option for you as well. Check with your gynecologist/urologist during your next physical if this is a concern of yours.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Leaky or Overactive bladder
Information from either/or a urologist/gynecologist
Out-patient procedure to implant sling
Time to rest after the procedure
Practic kegel or pelvic-floor muscle exercises
Series of mildly uncomfortable internal tests

Step 1

Pad FREE!

Prior to this surgical procedure, (which is done solely through the vagina) I would "leak" whenever I sneezed, jumped, ran, laughed, or lifted heavy objects. Though I would counteract this trouble by wearing a poise pad, it got to be very inconvenient over time. I couldn't be happier with the results, as are millions of women who elect to have this procedure done.
Step 2

tinkle 9-1-1

Though your urologist might first encourage you to try strengthening the vaginal/pelvic floor muscles (kegel exercises) to alleviate this problem, he will also assess your need for the "sling." He will begin by asking you questions. Knowing whether your trouble is an overactive bladder (urgency and frequency of elimination) or stress incontinence, as discussed above (coughing, sneezing, etc) can help him better plan a course of action for you. Age and having had children could also explain why you are having this problem. If you want to try medicine, that is your option, and he/she can prescribe any number of treatments. Either your routine ob/gyn can help or you can make an appointment with an accreditted urologist; preferably who specializes in the vaginal sling procedure. My doctor's office only recently started performing this procedure, and I didn't even know he did! It pays to ask, if it's something that concerns you. I was referred to a group of urologists by a friend who randomly discussed her symptoms with me one morning, and I didn't even know there was a cure for such a thing!
Step 3

give your bladder a break

Once you and your doctor have decided on a course of treatment suitable to your lifestyle, needs, preferences, etc. you can take it from there. If you go with the "sling" It's done on an out-patient basis and has excellent overall success. They create a "hammock" of support to help prevent the urethra from opening each time you cough, sneeze, laugh, etc. Placing material (or your own tissues) under the urethra by way of the vagina, your doctor will secure the sling under the bladder to support it.
Step 4

follow dr's orders

This technique has been around for over a hundred years, but it is gaining popularity recently due to its non-invasive approach, which is more effective than some other, more invasive, procedures. Once the procedure is complete, you will be sent home with a treatment sheet, requesting that you NOT engage in any of the following behaviors: (sexual) intercourse (4 weeks), driving (1 week), lifting anything greater than 10 lbs (4 weeks), and possibly the most heartbreaking of all...working outside the home (2 weeks).
Step 5

He can't run forever!

Now I am free to jump, run, cough, sneeze, laugh, and lift (within limits) all I want to without worrying about embarrassing leaks occurring. The best part for me is chasing after my kids and not ending up with wet britches when I finally grab them!