A Transvaginal Tape (TVT) is a safe surgical intervention performed to help women regain bladder control. Urinary incontinence occurs when a woman cannot control the emptying of her bladder, resulting in symptoms ranging from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting. While there are a number of causes for incontinence, the transvaginal tape operation is recommended for women with stress incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when urine flows out of the body uncontrollably when a person bears down, for instance from sneezing, coughing or lifting heavy objects. Potential causes of stress incontinence include pelvic surgery, childbirth, or intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Drinking a lot of caffeine or alcoholic beverages may worsen incontinence. TheTVT surgery can be done under local, spinal, epidural, or general anesthesia. A sling is inserted under the urethra to lift the urethra and prevent urine leakage. Women who undergo TVT surgery should not get pregnant, as the sling does not stretch.
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