What are the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP)?
Symptoms of SUI can include leaking urine when you laugh, cough, dance, or sneeze or feeling like something has fallen. In cases of POP, it can feel like you have like a bulge or lump in your vagina.
 
Are SUI and POP just a natural part of aging?
Although the prevalence of SUI and POP increases with age, both SUI and POP are not a natural part of aging or something you should just “live with” as a woman. SUI occurs when the support of the urethra is not as strong as it should be and the muscles of the urethra do not close as tightly as they should causing involuntary urine loss. POP occurs when the pelvic muscles and ligaments are weakened, resulting in one or more of the pelvic organs shifting downward. There are solutions available to treat SUI and POP and you don’t need to suffer in silence.

 

How many women are affected by pelvic floor disorders?
An estimated 21.6 million women are affected by SUI and POP in the United States, which is expected to grow to 33.3 million in 2050.¹

 

Can symptoms of SUI or POP impact my overall quality of life or result in additional health issues?
Studies have shown that the symptoms of SUI and POP can drastically impact your overall quality of life. This is especially true for women with SUI as many choose to restrict their normal activities to avoid the potential embarrassment that may result. Women are also at a higher risk for increased stress levels, depression, sexual dysfunction, and monetary burdens. The average lifetime cost of managing SUI symptoms is estimated to be $58,000!²

 

Will my partner or I be able to feel the mesh implant after the surgery?
Some mesh implants that are heavier in weight can be felt after the surgery. However, studies show that most patients or their partners are unable to feel Mpathy Medical's implant after the surgery or during intercourse.

 

Will my symptoms go away without seeking treatment?
Unfortunately, if you’re experiencing the common symptoms of SUI and POP, they will unlikely resolve on their own. Ask your doctor what may be your best treatment option.

 

If I choose to have surgery to fix my SUI or POP symptoms, will I see an improvement in my symptoms? Can I end up with future complications?
Surgery to fix SUI and POP is not recommended for every woman, but in some cases a mesh implant is used, which is why you should discuss what may be the best option for you with your doctor. Should you be a candidate for surgery you can be confident in the great results seen with Mpathy Medical’s mesh implant as the
minimally invasive products have high cure rates and low complications. Mpathy Medical’s implant is made with a material called Smartmesh™, which is an ultra lightweight mesh material designed specifically for the female anatomy.

 

If I choose to have surgery to fix SUI or POP, what is the expected recovery time?
All of Mpathy Medical’s solutions for the treatment of SUI and POP are minimally invasive procedures that allow for a fast recovery time. Most sling procedures to treat SUI take about 10-30 minutes and many women go home the same day of the surgery. Most POP repair procedures take about 1-2 hours and many women will need to spend one night in the hospital.
 
Every woman is different. Ask questions and discuss the best treatment option with your doctor. Take control – you’re not the suffer in silence type. To learn more, visit www.mpathymedical.com.
 
¹Wu, J. et al. (2009). Forecasting the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in U.S. women. Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 114 (6): 1278-1283.
²Birnbaum, H. et al. (2003). Lifetime medical costs for women: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stress urinary incontinence. Women's Health Issues. 13 (6): 204-213. 

 

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the Restorelle^®, Omnisure™, and Minitape^® procedures, individual results may vary. Always ask your doctor about treatment options and recommended instructions prior to and following any surgery.
 
To download a PDF version of the Frequently Unasked Questions handout, click here.