Small emission involuntary, sudden, irrepressible? It's not an illness.

These involuntary losses of urine are caused by a malfunctioning of the sphincter of the bladder neck, weakness of the perineal muscles or atrophy of the vaginal mucosa.

The resistance of the sphincter is no longer sufficient in case of abdominal pressure: coughing, laughing, sneezing, carrying a heavy load then cause a slight leak of urine, passively, often in a standing position.

Urinary Incontinence: 1 in 3 women affected in France

Pregnancy is the most common cause of stress incontinence, but obesity, constipation, hormonal deficiency, excessive sports, can make our case worse.

But you should know that the figures are probably well below the truth: they estimate that only 5 to 10% of women concerned talk to their gynecologist.

Damaging modesty since several solutions exist to resolve these inconveniences, strengthen the perineum and restore the vaginal mucosa.

At the physiotherapist, the midwife or even at home: electrostimulation

To reconstruct a tonic perineum and functional mucosa electrostimulation made in a midwife or physio, remains the most classic solution: a vaginal probe sends painless electrical impulses to mobilize the internal muscles of the perineum.

Unfortunately, we do not always respect the 10 sessions recommended, yet supported by the Social Security.

Better than nothing, there are vaginal probes (Keat, Feminic U, Gyneffik) to buy from the pharmacist on medical prescription and also supported, in part, by social security, then, following our mutual health complementary. Or, an electrostimulation belt to wear on the skin (Innovo).

In the gynecologist: the fractional laser

A new fractionated CO2 laser (Gynelase) specifically addresses the restoration of mucous membranes, which, atrophied, are often responsible for stress incontinence.

How's it going ? The session is done without anesthesia, in the office, in a gynecological position. The doctor introduces a probe into the vagina and sends micro-impacts every half-centimeter by turning the beam 360 ° and up the entire length of the vagina (7 to 8 centimeters on average).

This method is not painful, at worst you can feel a very slight tingling. This treatment causes the remodeling and synthesis of a new collagen. The tissue fibers are shortened, reorganized, the tissues firmed.

The session lasts an average of 10 minutes.

The consequences: no pain or bleeding. We avoid baths and reports for ten days. The improvement is felt from the first session. Two to one month intervals are needed to achieve an 85% improvement in the condition, similar to surgery results for mild to moderate incontinence.

The price: 395 € the session, not supported by Social Security.

In the operating room: the bandage

The operation involves placing small synthetic strips under the urethra to support the perineum, such as a hammock.

It is done under general or loco-regional anesthesia and is prepared, like any surgical procedure, by examinations and a visit of the anesthesiologist.

How's it going ? A two centimeter incision is made at the inner wall of the vagina. The strips are placed without tension on each side of the urethra to hinder the flow of urine. The incisions are closed by a simple suture.

The procedure is often outpatient, and lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.

After the procedure, a urinary catheter can sometimes be placed for a few hours to check that the bladder is emptying normally.

The consequences: the scars are closed thanks to absorbable threads. You may have some bleeding in the following weeks as the incisions heal. It is imperative to rest the following week, avoid heavy loads and abstain from sex for a month.

The price: the intervention is supported by the Social Security.

Thanks to Dr. Brice Gurriet, surgeon, obstetrician, gynecologist.