In a nutshell
This study looked at the improvement of quality of life and sexuality in women who were treated for stress/mixed urinary incontinence (SUI/MUI – leaking of urine when coughing or straining) with a mesh system (material used to support the bladder and urinary system). The study found that there was a significant improvement over time in quality of life and sexuality after treatment with the mesh system.
Some background
Stress/Mixed urinary incontinence is a common issue among women where there can be leaking of urine with or without strain/coughing or during intercourse. This may be due to weakness in pelvic muscles and can be very distressing. Mesh repair uses a material that is surgically placed to support the urinary system structures (bladder, urethra, etc). It is important to understand whether this improves quality of life in women with SUI/MUI.
Methods & findings
This study involved 60 women with SUI/MUI who were treated with mesh repair surgery. These women were followed up at 3 months, one year and 2 years. Improvement was measured by surveys which asked about quality of life, sexual life and SUI/MUI symptoms.
59 (98.3%) of patients had improvements in quality of life and sexual function.
No patients reported a decrease in general quality of life after mesh repair, and 1 (1.7%) patient reported that sexual function had worsened. Side effects of the surgery included urinary tract infection.
The bottom line
The study concluded that surgical mesh treatment for urinary incontinence significantly improved quality of life and sexuality of affected women.
The fine print
The study had a small sample size.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor/surgeon about treating urinary incontinence with mesh repair.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Mar 06, 2018
