bladder sling surgery

[Dolsie523]

about 2 years ago i had a bladder sling surgery performed, since the surgery I cannot have sex without severe pain, as a result sex is almost nill and my marriage is on the bring or falling apart, Help.

[summer59]

I also had problems urinating, had to wear a catheter for five days after I got home.  Bladder is very sensitive and can take quite a long time to get back to normal.  If you had a bladder sling and your still having urination problems after awhile call your doctor as the sling might need adjustment for being too tight.  Hope your post op symptoms improve with time.  Good luck

[UKlady1001]

You dont say how long ago you had your prolapse operation.  It isnt unusual for it to take up to 12 weeks for a full recovery.  
Are you using estrogen cream?  Even using this locally and in the vagina can positively effect the bladder due to estrogen receptors there.  It is beneficial for the vaginal skin as well.

I hope very much you make a full recovery.  If you are still having to catheterize at the end of your healing time then go back you your consultant and consider a second opinion from a Urogynecologist.

[georkson]

I am 48 and just underwent the procedure. My vagina looks the same. I have not had sex yet, three more weeks left  for full recovery. I am going through menopause so I am in a different bracket then you. If you do have issues related to sex  I would definitely discuss it with your doctor. Do a lot of research before getting this surgery.  I am having problems going to the bathroom. The morning seems to be the worst. I now have to catheterize myself to. Wish I knew this before. I also had a Urologist do my surgery. Did not know there was a Urogynecologist. Really am starting to regret my decision.

[sherrieP]

Bladder sling surgery is very common. It is  important to find the correct phyisician to do the procedure; I feel a urogynecologist or pelvic floor specializing urologist is the safest fit for good results in all procedures related to women's pelvic floor.

Your vaginal area should look the same after surgical incisions heal. The women who have pain probably had procedures done by gynecologists rather than urogyns; this is the reason I suggest women see a specialist-you want someone who really knows what they are doing; the area is very  intricate with multiple organs and structures coming together in a small space. There sometimes is a lack of sensation for a while after surgery (because of cutting through nerves) but there should be no pain once you've gotten past the heal curve.

Please see a specialist and ask lots of questions-any dr who won't answer your questions is a dr you don't want.

Sher

[Thespis79]

I am 32 and going in for bladder sling surgery. I am single and no kids (due to numerous gyno surgeries I am now having stress incontinence). Anyway........ After surgery will my vagina look the same? I know they have to make incensions in that area but I have a fear that I will look abnormal down there. Also, I have read in a few places that sex is horrible afterwards. Anyone have answers to these questions? Just very worried. Thanks

[sherrieP]

Can you determine what the source of pain is? If the vaginal tissues are dry and irritated, that is menopause related (you can have hormone levels checked and if you don't have cancer concerns, can try estrogen products)but if you have adequate vaginal lubrication, it may be sling related. How long has it been since you had a portion of the sling removed? If post surgery intimacy was fine after you got past the heal curve, but recently intimacy became painful again, there may be something else going on. I would start with your primary gyn for basic check.

Sher

[Cindisnow]

I had a bladder sling put in at the time when I was having some scar tissue removed due to over kill on a tubal ligation. It was suggested at the time that I might like the option of getting a bladder sling put in at the same time.
Well, after the surgery and waiting time, my first time having intercourse was very painful.  The Dr found out that I was rejecting the sling. So latter he put in another one or restitched it. Then I had problems again and it was determined that I then was rejected the sling. So he took the sling out but left part of it that was still intact and I have had great results as far as bladder control during sneezing and coughing.

But now, I'm having painful intercourse, and my husband thinks it is due to the sling or part of it that is still in me. I think it is due to menopause. I don't know whether to go to my same GYN that gave me the surgery or see a different Dr for this painful intercourse. Cindisnow

[sherrieP]

I hate to say it but often when sling surgeries are done by physicians who are not specialists (urogynecologists are pelvic floor specialists but other physicians do this surgery too), there are complications from attaching sling too tight or too loose or attaching to wrong spot and it results in pain or procedure not working properly. Please consult with a physician different than the one you had the sling put in by, the ideal is to find a urogynecologist who can advise you on options. If you aren't sure how to locate a urogyn, let me know and I can help you.