Urinary incontinence (UI), or bladder control issue, is a condition when a person has lost control over their bladder and urine leaks involuntary. Though a common condition affecting thousands of people globally, being diagnosed with urinary incontinence can be overwhelming as it severely affects one’s quality of life.
Several factors can contribute to the development of this condition, including weakened pelvic floor muscles, nerve damage, hormonal changes, certain medications, urinary tract infections, and underlying medical conditions such as prostate enlargement or pelvic organ prolapse.
Depending upon the cause, urinary incontinence can be classified into five types: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, and mixed incontinence. Urinary incontinence can also be temporary or chronic, depending upon the symptoms of the condition.
Mild-to-moderate cases of UI can be treated using conservative methods such as lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor exercises, and pessaries. If these methods fail to provide adequate relief, doctors may suggest surgical interventions such as sling procedures, bladder neck suspension, artificial urinary sphincter implantation, and neuromodulation techniques to restore or improve bladder control by addressing the underlying anatomical or functional issues. This article discusses the pros and cons of urinary incontinence surgery compared to other non-surgical treatments.