A combination of muscles and ligaments in the pelvis that make up a structure called the pelvic floor support the uterus and vagina, to keep them in their correct position inside the pelvis. Women with weak or damaged pelvic floors may experience back pain, symptoms of pelvic pressure or pain. They may notice leaking of urine or stool. Many will have the sensation that something is falling out of the vagina. If you have any of these symptoms GYNECARE PROLIFT may be able to help.

A new and revolutionary procedure using GYNECARE PROLIFT employs a specially designed supportive soft mesh placed in the pelvis to restore pelvic support.

How is GYNECARE PROLIFT
different from other surgical alternatives?

Some physicians have reported it can be completed in less than half the time of traditional surgery. Patients may experience less pain, quicker recovery and go home the next day.

It allows for the restoration of normal pelvic anatomy.

Using this new surgical procedure there is often no need to perform a hysterectomy if the uterus itself is not diseased.

Stress Incontinence
What Is Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Stress Urinary Incontinence is the unintentional release of urine during normal everyday activities. If you have SUI, you may lose urine when you:

	Laugh, sneeze, or cough
	Walk or exercise
	Get up from a seated or lying position

You may also go to the bathroom frequently throughout the day in order to avoid accidents.

What Causes SUI?

There are two basic causes for SUI. Most commonly, SUI is caused by weakening in the pelvic floor. The muscles of the pelvic floor support the organs of the lower urinary tract, including the urethra (the tube from the bladder through which urine exist the body). A strong pelvic floor keeps the urethra tightly sealed until it's time to urinate. A weakened pelvic floor cannot hold the urethra in its correct position, so any movement from the diaphragm that puts pressure on the bladder (such as a sneeze) may cause the urethra to lose its seal and allow urine to escape.

Another cause of SUI is intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). The sphincter muscles hold the urethra closed until it's time to urinate, when they relax their grip and allow urine to flow. In women with ISD, the sphincter muscles don't function as they should, which can cause urine to leak during movements that put pressure on the bladder. Stress urinary incontinence caused by ISD may be treated with injectable material.

Stress urinary incontinence is not necessarily a natural part of the aging process. It affects women of all ages. In women, SUI is commonly caused by:

	Childbirth
	Pelvic surgery
	Menopause or estrogen deficiency
	Neurological conditions, such as spinal cord defects

There are also temporary, reversible causes for urinary incontinence, including:

	Urinary tract infection
	Vaginal infection or irritation
	Constipation
	Medication side effects

30 minutes to end urine loss

GYNECARE TVT, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, is appropriate for some women with stress urinary incontinence. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and takes only about half an hour to complete. The recovery period following the procedure is short, and patients experience few complications and minimal scarring after surgery.

GYNECARE TVT is a doctor-applied ribbon-like strip that stops urine leakage the way your body was designed to -- by supporting your urethra. You can go back to your routine in just a day or two. It's also clinically proven: 98% of women who participated in a study begun seven years ago are still dry, or experience significantly less leakage (Source: Nilsson et. al., 7 Year Follow-up on the Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT) Procedure; International Urology, IUGA Abstract #116 (89): October 2003).

Other Types of Incontinence in Women

Urge incontinence

Urge incontinence may cause you to release urine as soon as you feel a strong need to go to the bathroom. You may feel like you never get to the bathroom fast enough. Unlike stress incontinence, urge incontinence is caused by overactive bladder muscles rather than a weakness in the pelvic floor.

Overflow Incontinence

Overflow incontinence may make you feel as if you never completely empty your bladder. It may be caused by a blockage in the urethra that prevents the flow of urine, leaving the bladder at least partially full at all times.

Mixed Incontinence

Some women experience a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.

If you think you have SUI

First, talk to your physician or other healthcare professional. With your help, he or she can determine the type and cause of your incontinence, which is the first step toward finding the best treatment for you. After discussing your medical history and urinary symptoms with you, your doctor will probably examine you, order a urine test, and possibly suggest other tests as well.

Before diagnosing urinary incontinence your physician will rule out any temporary, reversible causes for urine loss, such as a urinary tract infection or certain medications you are taking. If you are diagnosed with urinary incontinence, your doctor will discuss the type and cause of your incontinence with you.

Urodynamics Information Sheet

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Pessary Care

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