If you experience sudden bladder leaks when you laugh, cough, or exercise, you’re not alone. Millions of women deal with this frustrating condition, known as stress urinary incontinence. 

At the Institute for Gynecology Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery in Englewood, New Jersey, Dr. Yitzhack Asulin helps women regain their confidence and quality of life. 

One of the most effective, minimally invasive treatments we offer is a vaginal sling procedure. This simple, highly successful surgery provides the physical support your bladder needs to prevent leaks, helping you get back to living your life without worry.

What is a vaginal sling and how does it work?

A vaginal sling is a thin strip of material placed under your urethra—the tube that carries urine out of your body—to support it like a hammock. 

When pelvic tissues weaken due to childbirth, aging, or hormonal changes, your urethra loses its natural support and can open accidentally during physical movement. The sling acts as a supportive backboard, allowing your urethra to close during periods of physical exertion.

This procedure is specifically designed to treat stress urinary incontinence. Experts widely regard synthetic mid‑urethral slings as a highly effective, first‑line surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence, with strong long‑term safety data.

It’s important to know that these slings are completely different from the transvaginal mesh once used for pelvic organ prolapse. Bladder slings are narrow, minimally invasive, and have a long, proven safety record.

Could a vaginal sling help your urinary incontinence?

A vaginal sling could help you if you suffer from stress urinary incontinence, but it’s not designed to treat urgency incontinence, also known as an overactive bladder. 

If you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, run, or lift objects, you’re likely an excellent candidate for this procedure. However, if your leaks are preceded by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to go, other treatments may be more appropriate.

For the right candidate, the long-term success rates of this procedure are outstanding. A major clinical study published in European Urology Open Science followed more than 217,000 women who received synthetic mid-urethral slings. 

The researchers found that after 10 years, only 2.7% of patients required mesh removal, and only 4.5% needed a repeat procedure for recurrent leaks. This proves that the treatment is both highly durable and exceptionally safe over the long term.

You don't have to let bladder leaks control your daily routine or limit your activities. Our team is here to help you find the right treatment path, whether that involves a sling, pelvic floor repair, or other advanced options. 

To find out if you’re a candidate for a vaginal sling, schedule a consultation with Dr. Asulin. Call our office or request an appointment online today.