Which condition is the midurethral sling primarily used to treat?

• A. Urge incontinence
• B. Overflow incontinence
• C. Stress urinary incontinence
• D. Functional incontinence

Answer: (C)

A midurethral sling works by supporting the urethra so it stays closed when there’s a sudden rise in abdominal pressure. In stress urinary incontinence, leakage happens during actions like coughing, sneezing, or lifting because the urethra and pelvic floor can’t provide enough support to keep the urethral outlet closed under that pressure. The sling acts like a supportive hammock under the urethra, increasing resistance at the moment of stress and preventing leakage.

This approach isn’t aimed at urge incontinence, which comes from involuntary bladder contractions (detrusor overactivity), nor at overflow incontinence, which involves bladder outlet obstruction or weak detrusor contraction, nor at functional incontinence, which stems from external factors like mobility or cognitive issues rather than urethral support.