• Physiotherapy  - This is exercise therapy, performed by patients under the supervision of a trained health care provider.  The pelvic muscles strengthen and tighten when they are properly exercised.  Pressure monitoring devices can be placed in the vagina to help patients find the correct muscles to strengthen. Results can be seen within a few weeks, and about 70% of women with incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse may be helped. If patients fail to consistently perform these exercises, however, incontinence may return. Motivation is the key!  CLICK HERE for more information about pelvic floor exercises.
  
  
  
• Vaginal Pessary - Similar in shape to a contraceptive diaphragm, this device can elevate the bladder and the urethra. A pessary can be used temporarily, as during exercise, or left in place for days or weeks. 
  CLICK HERE for more information about pessaries.
  
  
  
• Medication - No drug by itself will cure stress incontinence. Some cold medicines, diet pills, and estrogen may help during treatment.
  
  
  
• Surgery - Elevating the bladder and urethra through an abdominal or vaginal incision is successful at curing stress incontinence in greater than 90% of patients. Many new surgical techniques have excellent long-term cure rates, and the results are seen nearly immediately. All surgery has risks, however, and the recovery period may be around 6 weeks.   CLICK HERE for more information about frequently asked questions regarding surgical correction of stress incontinence. 
  

You do not need to accept leaking urine as part of aging.
      There is treatment, and if one treatment is not satisfactory,
   another should be tried.

Gynecology and Fertility Clinic
Aston Ambulatory Care Building
5303 Harry Hines Blvd., Fifth Floor, Room U5.104
Dallas, Texas 75390-8865
For a complete list of phone numbers, CLICK HERE

< Back