Urinary incontinence surgery is usually considered for stress urinary incontinence (leaking with coughing, sneezing or exercise) when pelvic floor training and other conservative treatments have not helped enough. The most common operation is a mid-urethral sling, a narrow tape placed under the urethra through a small vaginal incision. Surgery does not treat urge leakage, so testing comes first.
- Duration
- About 30–60 minutes (sling)
- Anesthesia
- Sedation with local, spinal or general
- Hospital stay
- Same day or 1 night
- Back to desk work
- About 1–2 weeks
- Heavy lifting
- Avoid for about 4–6 weeks
- Cost guide
- ₩2M–5M for sling surgery (general guide)
Which type of incontinence can surgery help?
Not all bladder leakage is the same, and the type decides the treatment. Surgery mainly helps stress urinary incontinence, where the urethra is not supported well enough during sudden pressure on the bladder.
| Type | Typical pattern | Is surgery usually helpful? |
|---|---|---|
| Stress incontinence | Leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, running or lifting | Yes, if conservative care has not helped enough |
| Urge incontinence (overactive bladder) | Sudden strong urge, leaking before reaching the toilet | No; bladder training and medication are used instead |
| Mixed incontinence | Both stress and urge symptoms | Sometimes; the main bothersome type is treated first |
| Overflow incontinence | Dribbling, feeling the bladder never empties | No; the cause of poor emptying is investigated |
For the condition itself and non-surgical care, see our page on urinary incontinence.
What should be tried before surgery?
Guidelines recommend conservative treatment first for most women, because many improve enough without an operation:
- Pelvic floor muscle training for at least about 3 months, ideally guided so the right muscles are used
- Lifestyle measures such as managing weight, constipation and chronic cough, and adjusting caffeine and fluid timing
- Bladder training when urgency is also present
- A vaginal pessary or support device for leakage during exercise
- Energy-based treatments(vaginal laser or radiofrequency), which some women try; evidence for lasting benefit is still limited, and these are discussed honestly as an option rather than a substitute for proven care
Leakage that comes with burning or frequent urination may be an infection rather than incontinence; see urinary tract infections.
Surgical options compared
| Procedure | How it works | Points to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-urethral sling (retropubic or transobturator) | A narrow synthetic tape is placed under the middle of the urethra through a small vaginal incision | The most widely studied operation; short recovery; risks include tape exposure, pain and voiding difficulty |
| Autologous fascial sling | A strip of the patient's own tissue supports the urethra | No synthetic material; a larger operation with a longer recovery |
| Colposuspension (Burch) | Stitches lift the tissue beside the bladder neck, through the abdomen or laparoscopically | No tape; longer operation and recovery |
| Urethral bulking injection | A bulking material is injected around the urethra | Minimal recovery; usually less effective and may need repeating |
Synthetic mesh tapes have been reviewed by regulators in several countries, and practice differs between countries. Dr. Cho explains the benefits, alternatives and possible long-term complications of each option so you can make an informed choice. If prolapse is also present, it may be treated in the same plan; see pelvic organ prolapse repair.
- Leaking with coughing, sneezing or laughing
- Avoiding running, jumping or the gym
- Wearing pads every day
- Planning outings around restrooms
- Aims to reduce leakage during effort
- Many women gradually return to exercise
- Fewer pads needed for many patients
- A follow-up plan if symptoms remain
Your incontinence surgery at Yoonho, step by step
- Consultation in English Your symptoms, births, previous treatment and goals are reviewed, and a pelvic exam checks for stress leakage and prolapse.
- Testing A urine test excludes infection, an ultrasound measures how well the bladder empties, and you may be asked to keep a bladder diary. Urodynamic testing is arranged when the type of incontinence is unclear.
- Choosing a treatment Surgical and non-surgical options, risks and recovery are compared, and you receive a written cost estimate.
- Surgery day You fast beforehand as instructed. The procedure itself usually takes about 30–60 minutes for a sling.
- Before going home The team checks that you can pass urine and empty the bladder. You leave with written aftercare instructions in English.
- Follow-up A check-up within the first weeks reviews healing, bladder emptying and how much leakage has improved.
Recovery, results and risks
- Day 0–2 Mild soreness in the vagina or groin, light spotting. Rest, walk gently and drink normally.
- Week 1–2 Most women return to desk work. Avoid constipation and straining.
- Weeks 4–6 Avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, intercourse and tampons until cleared at follow-up.
- Months 3–12 Results are reviewed; pelvic floor exercises remain helpful long term.
Many women have a clear reduction in stress leakage after sling surgery, but results vary and some still have leakage or develop urgency. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, difficulty emptying the bladder, new urgency, tape exposure or erosion, groin or pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse; occasionally further surgery is needed.
Cost and insurance for international patients
As a general guide, sling surgery ranges from about ₩2,000,000 to ₩5,000,000, and non-surgical pelvic floor or laser programs from about ₩500,000 to ₩1,500,000, depending on tests, anesthesia and hospital stay. A written estimate is given after consultation.
- Residents enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance may be covered for medically necessary incontinence treatment; see health insurance for foreigners.
- Travelers can request an English diagnosis, itemized receipt and medical certificate for travel insurance claims.
Explore other procedures in our surgical gynecology section.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Will surgery cure urge incontinence or overactive bladder?
No. Sling surgery treats stress leakage. Urge symptoms are managed with bladder training and medication, and they can sometimes appear or worsen after surgery.
Should I wait until I have finished having children?
Usually yes. Pregnancy and vaginal birth can affect the result, so many doctors advise conservative care until your family is complete. Discuss your plans at consultation.
How long should I stay in Seoul after surgery?
Plan to stay about 1–2 weeks if possible so that bladder emptying and early healing can be checked before a long flight. Tell us your travel dates when booking.
Do I need urodynamic testing?
Not always. For clear stress incontinence a careful exam, urine test and bladder emptying check may be enough. Urodynamic tests are added when symptoms are mixed or unclear, or after previous surgery.
Is the treatment covered for foreigners?
Residents enrolled in National Health Insurance may be covered for medically necessary surgery. Visitors usually pay directly and claim from travel or international insurance using English documents.
OB-GYN Specialist · Ph.D. · Medical Director
M.D., M.Med. & Ph.D., Chung-Ang University · OB-GYN specialist training, Eulji University Medical Center · Member, Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Talk to an English-speaking gynecologist
Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.