Recovery after sling surgery for stress incontinence: week by week

The tape sits under the urethra and becomes anchored as scar tissue forms. Straining, heavy lifting and constipation in the early weeks can put pressure on that process, so recovery is mainly about restraint, plus checking that you can pass urine comfortably.

The figures below come from a Worcestershire leaflet on mid-urethral tape, with context from the NHS on pelvic floor training. They are typical ranges and your surgeon's own advice takes priority.

You can expect soreness where the cuts were made in the vagina and groin or lower tummy, which simple painkillers usually handle. A little discharge is normal, but the Worcestershire leaflet lists heavy bleeding that is not a period, or an unpleasant vaginal discharge, as reasons to seek advice.

Passing urine may feel different at first. Burning or stinging, or a frequency that persists, should be checked because infection or a bladder that is not emptying properly can need treatment. Drink normally, and avoid constipation, which strains the repair.

The leaflet says not to drive for at least one week and to take around two weeks off work. The legal question is whether you can control the vehicle and stop in an emergency without pain. GOV.UK states that it is for the patient to be sure they are fit to drive, warns that ignoring medical advice may affect insurance and says the DVLA must be told if you are still unable to drive three months after an operation.

Sex is avoided for four weeks. If sex becomes painful afterwards, do not wait: report it, because tape problems can be addressed.

• Use a footstool on the toilet and avoid pushing.

• Ask for help with shopping and laundry for the first month.

• Hold a cushion against your tummy when you cough.

The leaflet advises avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for up to four weeks. Walking is fine from early on. Running, jumping and gym work come back in steps; the real test is whether you leak less with them.

The NHS describes pelvic floor training of at least 8 contractions three times a day, continued for at least three months, as the first line for stress incontinence. Many surgeons still encourage it afterwards, and a specialist physiotherapist can check your technique.

Ask whether you will be reviewed in clinic or by phone, and who to call if problems appear. The leaflet gives 8 out of 10 women cured or much improved, and 2 in 10 who do not improve, so tell the team plainly how you are doing and whether leaking has changed.

• Being unable to pass urine: seek urgent help.

• Heavy bleeding that is not a period, or an unpleasant vaginal discharge.

• Burning when passing urine, or increasing urgency that persists.

• A swollen calf, chest pain or breathlessness: call 999 if severe.