Why Can’t Mommy Jump On the Trampoline?

Let’s face it, as we grow older, we’re not always able to do some of the things we enjoy with the same comfort and enthusiasm we did when we were young. And with summer now here, chances are you’re going to be spending some time with the family outside.

Sometimes, unknown or undiagnosed medical issues can create, what we’ve come to call, embarrassing complications. A common complaint we hear from women is the leakage of urine/a> while coughing, sneezing, laughing, running, having sex, and even when jumping on the trampoline.

We often see patients for other gynecologic issues such as prolapse, recurrent urinary tract infections or vaginal rejuvenation. When we ask if they leak urine, their response is, “well yes, doesn’t everyone?” Not exactly. While not everyone experiences leakage, it is very common following pregnancy, vaginal delivery, with age, or due to a genetic predisposition (their mom or grandma also leaked!).

This condition is known as stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Leakage from SUI can range in severity from mild to severe and there are a variety of options for treatments. For mild cases of SUI, approaches such as pelvic floor physical therapy or kegel exercises will typically resolve the problem. Tensor fascia lata slings, in which a strip of fascia is harvested from the upper leg and used to support the urethra, preventing leakage, are effective for severe cases of SUI.

The gold standard of treatment for SUI is a mid-urethral sling. We provide expert care in this area, having placed thousands of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) slings.

In any case, there is no reason to suffer with this condition. If you can’t indulge your inner child or you find yourself wearing pads, changing clothes, avoiding fluids in an effort to prevent leakage, or staying home for fear of leaking in public, come in for a consult and a pelvic exam. We’ll determine the cause of your leakage and discuss the best treatment options for you.

Summer is here. Make sure you don’t miss a minute more.