A sling procedure may be a good option for severe stress incontinence in women who have either intrinsic sphincter deficiency or urethral hypermobility. The method is even proving to help women with mild to moderate incontinence and certain young girls with severe incontinence. It may also be useful for managing female urge incontinence.

Sling procedures are also available for men who experience incontinence after prostatectomy. However, research on the benefits of sling procedures has been mixed. Studies comparing the procedure to other standard techniques are needed.

For some men who have prostatectomy-induced incontinence, sling procedures may be a good option. Researchers have reported an 80% success rate, the same as an artificial urinary sphincter, which is the standard surgical treatment for such patients. The sling procedure has been less effective in men who have had radiation therapy, although improved techniques are making this approach useful even for these patients. Minimally invasive procedures are also being tested.