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Stress Urinary Incontinence

Most therapies and surgical options for stress urinary incontinence are designed to improve the function of the urethral sphincter — which opens and closes when you urinate — and pelvic floor muscles.

Your urogynecologist will work with you to determine the best approach, which may include one or more treatment options, to relieve your symptoms and support your health goals.

Lifestyle Changes

Adjusting your everyday habits can improve or reduce symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. It may help if you:

  • Eat more fiber to treat constipation and relieve straining during bowel movements, which can damage your pelvic floor muscles.
  • Stop smoking, which doubles your risk for developing a pelvic floor disorder.
  • Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if you are overweight.
  • Empty your bladder more frequently.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Working with a pelvic floor physical therapist can help restore proper function of your pelvic floor muscles.

Illustration of pelvic floor physical therapy
A specialized pelvic floor physical therapist will isolate the pelvic floor muscles to provide pelvic floor rehabilitation.  In a woman, the pelvic floor muscles are typically accessed through the vagina.

Pessaries

A pessary is a small silicone device inserted into the vagina to put pressure on the urethra so it stays closed. A pessary may be a good option if you are still in your reproductive years or have a medical condition that puts you at high risk for surgery.

Urethral Bulking

During this office-based procedure, a bulking gel is injected into the walls of the urethra to help prevent stress urinary incontinence. Although urethral bulking provides immediate results, the effects will wear off, so you will need to return to the office periodically to relieve your symptoms.

Urethral bulking

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence

The most effective surgeries for stress urinary incontinence can improve symptoms in up to 90 percent of women. These procedures are designed to counterbalance the weak urethra and pelvic floor muscles. Most of these minimally invasive procedures have short recovery times, so you can return to your exercise routine within a couple of days.

As with all procedures, there are specific risks associated with each treatment. At UChicago Medicine, your urogynecologic surgeon will help you determine the best options for you.

Commonly performed surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence include:

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