SUI Treatment

The good news about SUI is that it’s treatable. But first, it’s important to talk to your doctor and determine what treatment option is best for you, based on your condition. Your doctor may talk to you about several different treatment options, including:

• Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles
• Electrical stimulation to help return injured muscles to fitness and biofeedback to record progress in strengthening treatments and exercises
• Medical devices that block or capture urine
• Minimally invasive surgery to repair or lift the urethra or bladder neck to provide support

GYNECARE TVT

When a woman has finished having children, a minimally invasive treatment can fix SUI, allowing her to return to a full and active life.

GYNECARE TVT* Tension-free Support for Incontinence can stop urine leakage by supporting your urethra with a tape-like strip of mesh. Used in an approximately 30-minute outpatient procedure, it has shown proven results for the treatment of SUI. A clinical study shows that 7 years after treatment, 81% of women who were treated with GYNECARE TVT were cured and an additional 16% were improved. To date, more than 1 million patients worldwide have been treated.

What happens during the procedure?

Your doctor inserts a strip of mesh-like tape under the urethra to create a supportive sling. This provides support and allows the urethra to remain closed when appropriate, preventing urine loss during sudden movements or exercise.

The procedure usually takes approximately 30 minutes -- and can be performed under local, regional or general anesthesia.

What happens after the procedure?

Patients treated with GYNECARE TVT may be able to go home as early as a few hours after the procedure and patients can expect a short recovery period. During this time, there should be little interference with daily activities; however, the patient may be advised to avoid heavy lifting and intercourse for 4 weeks.

Is this treatment right for me?

The best way to determine if you are a candidate for this treatment is to ask your doctor. As with any surgery of this kind, this procedure should not be performed in pregnant patients. Additionally, because the mesh-like tape will not stretch significantly, GYNECARE TVT should not be used in women who plan future pregnancy.

All medical procedures present risks, including injury to the bladder and surrounding tissues. Only your doctor can determine if GYNECARE TVT is right for you. For a complete description of risks, see the adverse reactions section of the product information [PDF 120 KB].

Download Product Information PDF [120 KB]  »

The information provided represents no statement, promise, or guarantee by ETHICON, INC. concerning coverage, levels of reimbursement, payment, or charge.  Please consult your payor organization with regard to local or actual coverage determination processes.

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