Sling For Incontinence In Females: What You Need To Know
Incontinence is a common problem for women of all ages. It can be caused by childbirth, menopause, or any number of other diseases and conditions. In this blog post, I will cover the different types of incontinence in females and how to choose a sling for incontinence correctly.
As we age, our bodies change which leads to some changes in bodily functions such as urination and bowel movements.
We may need help managing these new bodily functions if they become difficult or painful to manage on our own.
There are many different options available for dealing with these issues including medication, surgery, and using an adult diaper.
Sling use is another option that can provide relief from pain or embarrassment when dealing with urinary control problems related to either stress or urgency.
Sling use can also help regain some of your confidence and allow you to enjoy your day without worrying about leaks or accidents.
Depending on what type of sling for incontinence is right for you, it will be placed inside either your vagina (vaginal sling) or your bottom (rectal sling).
The sling works to elevate the urethra, allowing more control over urination.
These slings can be used for both stress and urgency-type urinary incontinence.
Types of Sling for Incontinence in Females
There are two main types of sling for incontinence in females:
Midurethral sling and Traditional sling
- Midurethral sling: A mid-urethral sling, also known as a TVT sling or tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), is designed to help with stress incontinence. It works by repositioning the urethra so that it’s held up under the bladder rather than letting it sag down inside your body.
- Traditional sling: A traditional sling, or artificial urinary sphincter (AUS), works to tighten the muscles around the urethra to prevent incontinence. It can also be used for stress incontinence but is more commonly prescribed for those suffering from complete loss of bladder control.
How to Choose a Sling for Incontinence in Females
In general, you can choose a sling based on how much control you want to have over your bladder. A mid-urethral sling will give you more control than a traditional sling.
If you’re looking for something that will last the longest and require the least number of follow-up visits, then a traditional sling is probably what you want.
In terms of recovery, a traditional sling is the quickest to recover from but may have more post-operative pain and complications than a mid-urethral sling.
On the other hand, a mid-urethral sling takes more time for your body to adjust to it before you’ll feel full relief from incontinence. But, it may also have fewer post-operative issues than a traditional sling.
How long does a bladder sling last?
The success rate varies depending on the type of sling utilized (synthetic or biologic tissue) and any issues that arise. According to one recent study, one in 30 women would need a new sling within ten years. However, your physician will have a better idea based on your personal medical history and urinary needs.
What are the side effects of a bladder sling?
The most common side effects associated with synthetic slings are minor and include:
- Urinary tract infections.
- Painful sex
- It’s difficult for you to urinate or, in rare cases, you are unable to do so.
Why would a woman need a bladder sling?
A bladder sling is effective in helping to correct urinary incontinence. It will also restore your body’s natural ability to hold and control urine.
People who would benefit from a bladder sling include those who have complete urinary control loss and those who leak urine with activity or physical exertion.
Smokers, however, may experience higher rates of complications following surgery because nicotine may thicken the tissue of the vagina and lessen its ability to heal properly. If you’re a smoker and you have a traditional sling, discuss the pros and cons with your physician.
If you’re a woman who is living her life in constant fear of leaks, then a bladder sling may be the answer to all of your problems! Talk to your doctor about having this procedure done today.
How is a vaginal sling done?
Traditional sling: The surgeon will make a small incision inside the vagina and use an instrument to place a soft, thin tube (called a graft) under the urethra by threading it through the tunnel.
The other end of the tube is sewn to ligaments on either side of your vaginal opening so that it acts like a hammock that holds the urethra in place while adding support to your bladder.
A vaginal sling can be done during a regular surgery or under anesthesia without needing an overnight hospital stay.
Mid-urethral sling: In order to fix urinary incontinence, a mid-urethral sling is used by inserting a narrow strip of synthetic material underneath the urethra and attaching it to the bladder. The new placement of your urethra allows urine flow to be redirected while strengthening the support around the organ.
Smaller incisions are needed for this surgery, but more than one may be required if you’re obese (BMI greater than 30), pregnant or post-menopausal. Additionally, a trial may be done to see how you do with the surgery before making the decision to remove your bladder sling.
In order to hold everything in place properly, this surgery is done under general anesthesia so that you’ll need an overnight stay at the hospital for recovery.
This surgery can sometimes cause complications such as:
- Pain while urinating
- Bladder puncture or injury to other organs during surgery.
Are there risks associated with having a vaginal sling?
The most common complications after this procedure are bleeding and infection, both of which are usually minor if they occur at all. If you experience either of these issues, contact your doctor immediately.
When is a bladder sling necessary?
If you’re experiencing chronic urinary incontinence, it’s time to take action before your bladder sling becomes necessary. A doctor can perform a test to see what type of procedure is right for you or there are other steps that can be taken, like weight loss if you’re obese, in order to improve the odds that the surgery will be a success.
While you can’t avoid all of the risks that come with a sling, this procedure is among the most effective ways to deal with urinary incontinence and regain your life.
How long do you stay in hospital after bladder sling surgery?
After this surgery, you’ll need to stay at the hospital for one or two nights so that your urologist can monitor your condition. Once released from the hospital, you should feel fully healed within two weeks.
How safe is a bladder sling?
Bladder slings have been performed safely for over two decades.
In the hands of a well-trained and experienced urologist, complications are rare.
Beyond a traditional sling, a mid-urethral sling is an affordable treatment option that can be done in less time than other surgeries. Depending on your condition and how it’s treated, urinary incontinence is something that you can not only recover from but also come back from stronger with a bladder sling.
Do bladder slings need to be replaced?
In some cases, your surgeon may recommend a follow-up procedure to replace a sling. Your doctor can let you know if this is necessary and advise you on the benefits of having the surgery done.
How much will a bladder sling cost?
The price of a vaginal or mid-urethral sling varies by city and facility but typically averages $6,000 to $25,000. After surgery, women still spend an average of $190 each year to manage residual leaks.
Try Pelvic Floor Strong Program
If you don’t want to have surgery, you can try the Pelvic Floor Strong Program that improves the muscles of your pelvic floor. It can help you stop urine leakage, improve your sex life, prevent prolapse and incontinence.
Watch the following video
