Stress incontinence is leaking of urine when someone coughs, laughs or sneezes. The prevalence increases with age and has a number of potential contributing factors including prior childbirth and hereditary factors. Many women also have bladder prolapse (dropped bladder) which can exacerbate the symptoms. While medications are helpful for certain bladder disorders, they are not useful for this condition. Some patients with mild symptoms benefit from pelvic muscle exercises (Kegel exercises). Computer assisted Kegel exercises are also an option. This is known as Biofeedback Pelvic Muscle Training and carried out in the office setting. Similar to exercising at the gym, this program takes several weeks to achieve strengthening and improvement, and requires maintenance exercises.

For most women, minimally invasive procedures are the quickest and most effective option to resolve stress incontinence. These procedures generally rely on placement of a soft synthetic material that supports the bladder and urethra in one or more locations. Due to the lack of abdominal incisions required, many women can go home on the day of the procedure and resume non-strenuous activity quickly.

For women with both stress incontinence and bladder prolapse, symptom relief can still be accomplished with minimally invasive techniques. We have significant experience with complex pelvic organ prolapse and utilize the latest technology available including the Pinnacle® Pelvic Floor Repair from Boston Scientific. The advanced technology has allowed our patients to experience excellent and long-lasting results.