Do you need a referral for a mid-urethral sling?
Short answer
A referral is usually needed for a mid-urethral sling because a specialist must assess stress urinary leakage before surgery is planned.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- Usual referral
- Urogynaecology or urinary-health service
- Assessment focus
- Type of leakage and previous treatments
- Also called
- TVT, TOT, or incontinence sling
Why assessment comes first
A mid-urethral sling, sometimes called TVT or TOT, supports the urethra to help with urine leakage during coughing, exercise, or other pressure. A specialist reviews your symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and previous treatments before discussing surgery.
The assessment may distinguish stress leakage from urgency leakage or another bladder problem. The team may discuss pelvic-floor exercises, bladder strategies, medicines, or other procedures before recommending a sling.
How to start the referral
Ask your family doctor, gynaecologist, or continence clinician for a referral to urogynaecology or an appropriate urinary-health service. Keep a note of when leakage happens, how it affects activities, previous pelvic surgery, medicines, and any urinary infections.
Read about [Mid-Urethral Sling](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/mid-urethral-sling/) before the consultation, then ask what tests, recovery limits, and alternatives apply to you.
When to seek prompt care
Seek prompt medical advice for blood in the urine, inability to pass urine, fever with back or pelvic pain, severe new bladder pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms. After surgery, urgent review is needed for inability to urinate, heavy bleeding, fever, or severe pain.
Questions for your doctor
Ask: Is my leakage stress-related? What treatments should I try first? Do I need bladder tests? Which sling approach is being considered? What are the alternatives, recovery restrictions, and follow-up arrangements?
Find care
General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Questions people ask
Can a family doctor refer me?
Often yes. A family doctor or another clinician familiar with your urinary symptoms can usually begin the referral pathway.
Will every referral lead to sling surgery?
No. The specialist confirms the type of leakage and discusses non-surgical care, alternatives, and whether surgery fits your situation.
Related
Related reading
Keep reading
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.