Leakage and prolapse in women
Leakage with coughing or exercise, or a feeling of a bulge. Conservative care first, then a sling or robotic repair when needed.
Medically reviewed by Guillaume Farah, MD · Last reviewed October 2026
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Step 1 of 5
Your first visit
Week 1A conversation, a short exam and a simple bladder test show what kind of leakage or bulge you have.
What you do
Keep a three-day voiding diary: write down what you drink, each time you pee and how much, and any leaks.
Book a visitWhat Dr. Farah does
Explains what's happening and every option.
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Step 2 of 5
Simple options first
Weeks to monthsPelvic floor physical therapy helps many women. A small support device worn inside can hold up a bulge without surgery.
What you do
Give therapy a few months.
Book a visitWhat Dr. Farah does
Works with pelvic floor therapists you can see close to home.
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Step 3 of 5
If you need more
When you're readyA small sling under the bladder outlet stops leakage with coughing and exercise. A bulge can be repaired with robotic surgery through small incisions.
What you do
Plan a few weeks of lighter activity.
Book a visitWhat Dr. Farah does
Explains the facts about mesh and recommends what fits you.
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Step 4 of 5
Recovery
Weeks 2 to 6Most women go home the same day or next day and are back to normal activity within weeks.
What you do
No heavy lifting for 4 to 6 weeks.
Book a visitWhat Dr. Farah does
Sees you at follow-up visits.
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Step 5 of 5
The data
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treated with pelvic floor muscle training, then mid-urethral sling (MUS) or alternatives; pelvic organ prolapse (POP) treated with pessary or robotic sacrocolpopexy. FDA mesh guidance applies to transvaginal mesh for prolapse, not mid-urethral slings.
Each study link opens the newest results on PubMed.
- Mid-urethral sling for stress urinary incontinence (opens in new tab) Long-term effectiveness and safety
- Robotic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse (opens in new tab) Durability and complications
Seen within 24 to 48 hours.
Offices in North Charleston, Summerville and Nexton. Second opinions are welcome.
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