Patient Story: Urge Incontinence Dating from Childhood Caused by a Loose Front Ligament

In some cases, weak front ligaments may cause childhood urgency. Miss ‘A’, a 21 year old single woman, came to the clinic with her mother. She was shy, teary and withdrawn. She gave this story.

“Since childhood, I have not been able to control my bladder. I always wear pads and I always smell of urine. Every time I go out on a date, I am terrified that my companion will smell the urine. I am sure I have lost several boy friends in this way. The whole thing is extremely distressing and humiliating. I’d rather stay home than go out and be embarrassed.”

Our diagnostic system indicated that a weak front ligament was the main cause of her problems. 

The weak ligament was obvious on ultrasound. When we pressed gently upwards on the vagina immediately behind the bone, all the feelings of urgency disappeared, confirming that a weak front ligament was causing her urge symptoms. A polypropylene tape was inserted in the position of the front ligament. Immediately after surgery Miss ‘A’ reported 100% dryness. She remained cured at her last review 4 years later, where a happy confident young woman arrived, accompanied by a doting fiance.