Female Incontinence Treatment: Vaginal Devices for Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is urine leakage that occurs when an action puts pressure on the bladder; some of these actions include:

 

These actions can all cause the stomach muscles to press down on the bladder and force urine out. Stress incontinence usually results from weak pelvic muscles, which are the muscles that hold the bladder in place, and keep urine inside.

 

A pessary is a stiff ring that is inserted, by a doctor or nurse, into the vagina, where it presses against the wall of the vagina and the nearby urethra. The pressure helps reposition the urethra, leading to less stress leakage. If you use a pessary, you should watch for possible vaginal and urinary tract infections, and see your doctor regularly.

 

Female Incontinence Treatment: Injections for Stress Incontinence

Collagen, one of the bulking agents used for injections, is a natural tissue from cows. It is injected into tissues around the bladder neck and urethra to add bulk and close the bladder opening to reduce stress incontinence. After using local anesthesia or sedation, a doctor can inject the material in about half an hour. Over time, the body slowly eliminates the collagen, so you may need to have repeat injections. Before you receive collagen, a doctor will perform a skin test to determine whether you could have an allergic reaction to the material. A variety of bulking agents are available for injection. Your doctor will discuss which one may be best for you.