A female urinary incontinence device is a medical device that helps to reduce urine leakage and prevent stress incontinence. It may be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as pelvic floor muscle therapy (PFMT), or surgery.
The devices are designed to control urine leakage, are easy to insert and have few adverse effects. They are also low cost, and should improve health status and quality of life for users.
Vaginal Devices
If you have urinary incontinence or uterine prolapse, you may be able to get relief from a vaginal device. These devices are designed to support the bladder, urethra, rectum or uterus and can also help prevent stress incontinence.
They’re available in different shapes, sizes and materials, including plastic and silicone. The plastic pessaries are often firm and move the muscles of your vagina better than the softer silicone ones.
Some vaginal devices, such as dilators, can help relieve pelvic pain and spasms, reduce painful intercourse, and provide support after childbirth or surgery.
Other devices, such as vaginal weights and cones, use biofeedback to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. They don’t require a doctor’s approval and can be used at home.
Urine Seals
Urine seals are adhesive foam pads that women place over the urethral opening to create a seal that prevents urine leakage. These pads are removed before urination and replaced with a new pad afterward.
These pads are most often used to treat stress urinary incontinence, which occurs when a woman loses urine during coughing, sneezing or laughing. They can also be helpful for women who have a weakened urethra.
Some of these pads are disposable, while others are reusable. They have adhesive strips that hold them in place, and can trap up to 8 or more ounces of urine.
They come in many absorbencies and some have antibacterial and antifungal finishes to protect the skin around the urethra. These pads should be changed periodically, and can help reduce the risk of infections and skin breakdown. They can also help with rashes and redness caused by urine.
Pessaries
A pessary is a female urinary incontinence device that can be used to help stop leaking urine. They are inserted into your vagina and help keep your uterus (womb), bladder, or rectum in place.
They may also help reduce leakage during exercise if your pelvic floor muscles are too weak or untoned. When you move quickly the pelvic floor muscle is supposed to support your bladder neck and stop the flow of urine, but if your pelvic floor is too weak or not toned it can be hard to do that.
The type of pessary your doctor chooses depends on the severity of the prolapse, whether you have a uterus, how active you are and your level of stress urinary incontinence. A ring pessary is often the first option as it’s easy to insert and remove.
Self-Fixated Slings
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common problem in women, affecting up to one in three. It can interfere with daily activities, including coughing and exercise. It can also affect self-confidence and reduce a woman’s quality of life.
SUI can be treated with a variety of methods. Some involve changing the way you live and others are surgical procedures.
Currently, the most commonly used surgical procedure for stress urinary incontinence is a mid-urethral sling. These devices work by supporting the urethra, sphincter muscles, and bladder.
Unlike retropubic or transobturator mid-urethral slings, self-fixating mesh slings do not require a suprapubic incision for placement. They can be placed through a single incision and can lower risks, operative time, and postoperative complications associated with other techniques.
