Is urinary incontinence just part of growing older? No. But changes with age can reduce how much urine your bladder can hold. Aging can make your stream of urine weaker and can cause you to feel the urge to urinate more often. This doesn’t mean you’ll have urinary incontinence just because you’re aging. With treatment, it can be controlled or cured.

After a patient has been diagnosed with SUI through urodynamic testing, all of the surgical options available are discussed. The two most commonly used treatment methods are the sling procedure and the Burch procedure, which are the most effective options available according to the American Urology Association. The urodynamic study and physical examination will determine which procedure is best for each patient.

The Sling: One of the most widely used treatments involves a urethral sling that is surgically implanted into the urethra. The sling supports the patient’s natural tissue networks, helping the urethra to close completely. This is a minimally invasive surgery that has seen high success rates in treating ISD and hypermobility.

Bone Fixated Slings: These restore bladder control by inserting a graft material into the urethra, giving it a point of support.

The Burch Procedure: Technically known as retropubic suspensions, these treat hypermobility by raising and returning the urethra and the neck of the bladder to a higher position in the body.