Bladder Sling Surgery: What to Expect, Benefits, Risks — Attn:Grace

Cart (0)

Spend $50.00 more for FREE shipping

Your Cart Is Empty

Pads, liners, oils, and sprays—crafted for your changing needs.

\ BEST SELLERS](/content/collections/best-sellers/index.html) \ PADS & LINERS](/content/collections/shop-all/index.html) \ PERSONAL CARE](/content/collections/personal-care/index.html) \ BUNDLE & SAVE 15%](/content/pages/subscription-page/index.html)

Shop All Products

Free Shipping Over $50 • 60-Day Returns

Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more! |Happiness guaranteed! Try us risk-free. 🤗

[Mobile Nav](/content/blogs/the-edit/bladder-sling-surgery-what-to-expect-benefits-risks-amp-recovery# "Menu"/index.html)

Site Logotype

[Cart (0)\ \ \ Cart](/content/blogs/the-edit/bladder-sling-surgery-what-to-expect-benefits-risks-amp-recovery# "Cart"/index.html)

[Home](/content/ "Home"/index.html) > [The Edit](/content/blogs/the-edit ""/index.html) >Bladder Sling Surgery: What to Expect, Benefits, Risks

If you experience bladder leaks when you run, jump, sneeze or even laugh, you’re not alone. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition that affects millions of women, making daily activities unpredictable and frustrating. You may have heard about bladder sling surgery as a potential solution - but is it truly a permanent fix for bladder leaks?

In this guide, we’ll break down:

✅ What bladder sling surgery is

✅ How the procedure works

✅ Pros, cons, and recovery time

✅ Alternative treatments to consider

Let’s dive in!

What Is Bladder Sling Surgery?

Bladder sling surgery, also called a midurethral sling procedure, is a minimally invasive surgery designed to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI). SUI occurs when physical activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting heavy objects put pressure on the bladder, leading to involuntary urine leaks.

According to Attn: Grace Medical Director and OB-GYN Dr. Barbara Frank, “The nice thing about these procedures is that they are quick, often outpatient surgeries, with manageable recovery time.”

How Does Bladder Sling Surgery Work?

During the procedure, a surgeon places a supportive sling under the urethra to keep it closed when pressure is applied to the bladder. The sling acts like a hammock, providing support and reducing leakage.

Bladder Sling Surgery: Key Details

Incision Locations: groin, vagina, or lower abdomen

Sling Material Options:

Synthetic mesh

Tissue from your own abdominal wall or thigh

Recovery Time: Most women return to normal activities within 2-6 weeks

Potential Risks: Pain, infection, difficulty urinating, mesh complications, or injury to nearby organs

Is Bladder Sling Surgery Safe? Understanding the Risks

Surgical procedures always have risks, and bladder sling surgery is no exception. One concern often raised is the use of mesh materials. While mesh slings can be highly effective, they’ve also been associated with complications in some cases.

Dr. Frank advises, “There are risks to any surgical procedure, and ‘mesh’ gets a lot of buzz online. Be sure to discuss your options with your surgeon, including personal risk factors and their success rates with the procedure.”

Who Is a Good Candidate for Bladder Sling Surgery?

If stress urinary incontinence significantly impacts your quality of life, bladder sling surgery may be an option. However, your doctor will likely first recommend nonsurgical treatments, such as:

Pelvic floor physical therapy to strengthen bladder-supporting muscles
Weight loss if excess weight contributes to SUI
Bladder retraining, which is helpful if overactive bladder is also a factor
Using a pessary, a vaginal device that supports the pelvic organs
And other options such as medications, electrical stimulation, or Botox injections
What to Expect If You Move Forward with Surgery

If your doctor refers you to a urologist or urogynecologist, they will conduct a series of bladder function tests to determine:

✅ If a bladder sling is the best treatment option for you

✅ Which sling technique would be most effective

While bladder sling surgery isn’t for everyone, it has helped many women regain bladder control when pelvic floor therapy and other treatments weren’t enough.

Final Thoughts: Is Bladder Sling Surgery Right for You?

If stress urinary incontinence is interfering with your daily life, bladder sling surgery may be worth exploring. However, it’s essential to consider all treatment options and consult with a specialist to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.

And in the meantime? Attn: Grace has you covered with discreet, comfortable incontinence products designed for real life. Shop our collection here.

Facebook

Twitter

Live chat

shop.app

shop.app is blocked