Male sling

If you are living with male urinary incontinence, you may be a candidate for a male sling procedure. Male sling surgery is designed to help men who have difficulty with urinary control by providing additional support to the urethra, which can improve bladder function and reduce incontinence.

Symptoms that can be eased or eliminated with a male sling include:

• Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh
• The need to urinate frequently
• The need to get up several times during the night to urinate
• A sudden and strong urge to urinate that can be difficult to control
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine flow

If you experience any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Embarrassment can often hold us back from seeking treatment about urinary problems, but many people don't realise just how many treatments are available for incontinence and related issues.

Causes of male urinary incontinence

Many conditions can lead to urinary incontinence in men, including:

• Prostate surgery
• Bladder surgery
• Radiation therapy for prostate cancer
• Neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries
• Age-related changes in the bladder and urethra

A male sling won't be appropriate in all cases, but your consultant urologist will help you to find the best treatment for you.

During your initial appointment, your consultant will begin with a discussion of your symptoms, how they affect you and how long they've been going on. They will ask about your medical history including whether you have had any treatment to date and how effective it was. They may need to conduct a physical examination, and they might recommend tests and scans to confirm a diagnosis.

Your first consultation is crucial in helping us understand your unique situation so that we can tailor our treatment plan to your specific needs. We will take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident moving forward.

Once we have made a diagnosis and discussed your treatment options, we will work with you to decide on the best course of action. Whether it's a male sling or another treatment option, we will ensure that you are fully informed about your choices and that your preferences are taken into account.

Male sling surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep and won't feel any pain or discomfort during the operation. The procedure usually takes between 30-45 minutes to complete. This may vary depending on individual cases.

During the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision in your perineum (the area between your scrotum and anus). They will then create a small tunnel under your urethra, through which they will place the sling. The sling is made of a flexible material that supports the urethra and helps to control urine flow. The procedure is minimally invasive, using keyhole surgery, and most patients can go home the same day.

Recovering from a male sling procedure

After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or pain, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. You may also experience some minor bleeding or bruising in the surgical area, which should resolve on its own within a few days. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure, including advice on when you can resume normal activities.

If you're considering a male sling procedure, it's important to speak with your doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you. While the procedure is generally considered safe and effective, there are some risks involved, and your doctor can help you understand these risks and make an informed decision.

Potential complications include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Bladder injury
• Difficulty urinating

We understand that the thought of any surgery can be overwhelming, but we're here to guide you every step of the way. We believe in providing personalised care to our patients, and we'll work closely with you to lessen any potential risks and ensure the best possible outcome. If you have any questions or concerns about male sling surgery, please don't hesitate to contact us to book a consultation with one of our expert consultants.

We answer some of the most commonly asked questions about male sling surgery.

What can I expect after a male sling?

After the male sling procedure, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising around the surgical site. You may also have difficulty urinating or experience some blood in your urine. Your surgeon will advise you on how to manage these symptoms and what to expect during the recovery process.

How long does a male sling last?

The duration of the male sling depends on the individual and the severity of their condition. In general, male slings are designed to provide long-term relief from incontinence. Your surgeon will discuss the expected outcomes of the procedure with you during your initial consultation.

What materials are used for the male sling?

Male slings can be made from a variety of materials, including synthetic mesh or natural tissue from the patient's own body. Your surgeon will discuss the materials options with you and determine which type of sling is most appropriate for your specific needs.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard and delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about a male sling, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in March 2023. Next review due March 2026.

1. Male sling for stress urinary incontinence, NHS Cambridge Hospitals
2. Male Sling Procedure, Cleveland Clinic
3. AdVance Male Sling, Manchester Urology
4. The male sling for stress urinary incontinence: tips and tricks for success, NIH
5. AdVance male sling, TAU
6. Male Sling Surgery, Australian Urology Associates