What is the difference between non-surgical and surgical SUI treatment?

Non-surgical treatments are the first line of defense, focusing on strengthening the pelvic floor through exercises (Kegels) and using supportive medical devices like a pessary. Surgical treatment, typically recommended after conservative methods fail, involves highly effective, **minimally invasive procedures** like the TVT or TOT sling. These surgeries create a permanent support structure for the urethra to prevent leakage under stress. Dr. Colvalcar tailors the approach based on the severity of your condition, determined through **[Urodynamic Testing](https://mapusaclinic.com/services/urogynecology-services-diagnosis-and-evaluation/)**.

How long does it take to recover from SUI sling surgery (TVT/TOT)?

Recovery from minimally invasive sling procedures (TVT or TOT) is relatively quick. Most patients are discharged within 24 hours of the surgery performed at our Mapusa facility. While major activities like heavy lifting must be avoided for four to six weeks, most women can resume light daily routines within one to two weeks, experiencing immediate relief from leakage.

Should I see a Urologist or a Urogynecologist for my incontinence?

For women, a Urogynecologist (like Dr. Milind Colvalcar) is often the ideal specialist. A Urogynecologist has training in both Gynaecology and Urology, providing a holistic view of the female pelvic floor, reproductive organs, and urinary system. This dual expertise is essential for diagnosing and treating complex issues like SUI and Pelvic Organ Prolapse, especially when they occur together.

Understanding SUI, Causes, and Non-Surgical Treatment in Goa

Q: What is the Best Treatment for SUI (Stress Urinary Incontinence) in Goa?

SUI treatment in Goa ranges from highly effective conservative care to advanced, definitive surgery. At **Mapusa Clinic**, expert care is provided by **Dr. Milind Colvalcar**, a specialist Gynaecologist and Urogynecologist. Treatment options begin with non-surgical solutions like personalized **Pelvic Floor Muscle Training** and **Pessary fittings**. For severe cases, definitive, minimally invasive surgical options are available, including successful **Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT)** and **Transobturator Tape (TOT) sling procedures**. This comprehensive approach ensures residents across Mapusa, Panjim, and Vasco receive specialized care for long-term relief from incontinence.

“I Leak When I Cough”: Understanding Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and Non-Surgical Fixes

SUI (Stress Urinary Incontinence) treatment in Goa ranges from highly effective conservative care to advanced, definitive surgery. At Mapusa Clinic, expert care is provided by Dr. Milind Colvalcar, a specialist Gynaecologist and Urogynecologist. Treatment options begin with non-surgical solutions like personalized Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Pessary fittings. For severe cases, definitive, minimally invasive surgical options are available, including successful Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT) and Transobturator Tape (TOT) sling procedures. This comprehensive approach ensures residents across Mapusa, Panjim, and Vasco receive specialized care for long-term relief from incontinence.

It’s Common, But Not Normal. You Don’t Have to Live With It.

That brief, embarrassing moment when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise, and a small amount of urine leaks out is a scenario faced by countless women across Goa—from Panjim to Margao. While leakage is often dismissed as a normal part of aging or motherhood, it is a treatable medical condition known as Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI).

You don’t have to manage this condition with daily pads and worry. SUI is one of the most successfully treated gynaecological disorders. At Mapusa Clinic, led by senior specialist Dr. Milind Colvalcar, our entire focus is on providing you with an accurate diagnosis and a clear path to relief, whether through simple lifestyle changes or advanced treatment.

Why Does This Happen? The Causes and Risk Factors of SUI

SUI occurs because the muscles and tissues that support your bladder and urethra (the pelvic floor) become weakened and can no longer keep the urinary passage sealed when sudden pressure is applied to the abdomen.

The Primary Culprits: Weakening the Pelvic Floor

Pregnancy and Childbirth: The single biggest risk factor. The strain of pregnancy and a vaginal delivery can stretch, injure, or damage the vital pelvic floor muscles and nerves.
Aging and Menopause: As you age, muscles naturally lose strength. The drop in estrogen after menopause further weakens the supportive tissues around the bladder and urethra.
Chronic Pressure: Any condition that constantly pushes down on the pelvic floor increases risk. This includes obesity (excess weight) and a chronic cough (often related to smoking or asthma).
Heavy Lifting and High-Impact Exercise: A long history of frequent heavy lifting or high-impact activities (like long-distance running) can put continuous strain on the support system.

SUI in Men: A Different Path

Note on Male SUI: While the vast majority of SUI cases we treat are female, we recognize that stress incontinence can also affect men, particularly after prostate surgery. The causes are similar (weakening of the urethral support), but the diagnosis and surgical treatment pathways are different (involving procedures like the artificial urinary sphincter). Since Dr. Milind Colvalcar is a specialist in Female Urogynecology, we ensure male patients seeking SUI treatment are directed to highly specialized Urologists in Goa who focus on male pelvic health, guaranteeing you receive the most appropriate expert care.

Step 1: Accurate Diagnosis is Essential for Treatment

You might have SUI, but your doctor must rule out other causes like Urge Incontinence or a simple Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). A comprehensive evaluation at our Mapusa clinic ensures your treatment targets the exact problem.

Gold-Standard Testing: Urodynamics: For complex cases, we utilize Urodynamic Testing to objectively measure your bladder’s capacity, pressure, and flow rates. This test is crucial for determining if you have pure SUI or a mix of incontinence types.

Confidential Consultation: We start with a detailed history of your symptoms—when leakage occurs and how it impacts your life (socially, physically).

Pelvic Examination: A specialized physical exam assesses the strength of your pelvic floor muscles and checks for related conditions like Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP).

Non-Surgical Fixes: Effective First-Line Treatment

For mild to moderate SUI, we always start with conservative management, which is often highly effective.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (Kegels):
- This is the primary treatment. However, studies show that many women do them incorrectly.
- We can provide referrals for specialized physiotherapy in Goa or use biofeedback techniques to ensure you are targeting the correct muscles effectively.
The “Knack” Technique: A simple, powerful tool. This involves performing a quick, strong pelvic floor muscle contraction (the Knack) just before you cough, sneeze, or lift. This preemptive move prevents leakage.
Vaginal Pessaries: These small, removable silicone devices, which are fitted by your gynaecologist, provide mechanical support to the urethra and bladder neck. They are an excellent non-surgical solution, especially for women who only experience SUI during physical activities or exercise.
Lifestyle and Diet Changes: Simple adjustments can have a major impact:
- Quitting smoking to reduce chronic coughing.
- Losing weight to reduce downward pressure on the bladder.
- Limiting bladder irritants like caffeine and fizzy drinks.

Advanced Treatment: The Surgical Advantage with Dr. Milind Colvalcar

If conservative measures do not provide the relief you need, surgery can offer a permanent and highly effective cure. This is where the specialized expertise of your doctor becomes vital.

Dr. Milind Colvalcar’s extensive experience in Minimally Invasive Procedures means we can offer the latest, safest surgical options right here in Mapusa, Goa.

Minimally Invasive Sling Procedures (TVT/TOT): These are the most common and successful SUI surgeries globally. A small, synthetic tape or sling is placed under the urethra through tiny incisions to act as a supportive hammock, keeping the urethra closed under stress. Recovery is typically fast and successful.

Expert Authority (EEAT): Choosing a surgeon who is proficient in the full range of both non-surgical and surgical options is key. Dr. Colvalcar interprets your Urogynecology Diagnosis and recommends the exact procedure—whether it’s a non-surgical pessary or a definitive sling—that will give you the best long-term outcome.

Take Control of Your Pelvic Health Today

You don’t have to accept leakage as inevitable. Restore your comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with our Urogynecology Specialist, Dr. Milind Colvalcar, at Mapusa Clinic.

Schedule An Appointment Now