Q: How is incontinence treated?

A: The first step is to determine the cause for a woman's incontinence.  Some cases of incontinence are best treated with medication or physical therapy. Tests can be performed to determine the precise cause for incontinence.

Q: If my doctor determines that my incontinence is best treated with surgery, what are my options?

A: There are many different operations to help to restore a woman's bladder control.  All of the procedures share the goals of improving support to the urethra (and/or the junction of the urethra and bladder).  Long-term success rates (and risk of complications) vary with the different procedures.

Women with incontinence commonly also have prolapse of the bladder, uterus, rectum or upper vagina.  For this reason, the procedures for incontinence are commonly performed in conjunction with other procedures that correct pelvic organ prolapse.