Urethral Bulking Agents
What is a urethral bulking agent?
A urethral bulking agents is a gel-like or permanent filler-like substance that is injected into the urethra (channel through which you urinate) in order to prevent urine from leaking out.
Who may be a good candidate for a urethral bulking agent?
Urethral bulking agents are used to treat stress urinary incontinence, which is leakage with activities such as laughing, coughing, or sneezing. This procedure will not treat urinary leakage from overactive bladder or urge incontinence. Typically, urethral bulking agents are used for women who:
Have mild stress urinary incontinence
May want to consider future pregnancies
Women who do not want surgery with general anesthesia
Women who are not good candidates for surgery requiring anesthesia
Where is a urethral bulking agent injection performed?
Generally, we perform urethral bulking agent injections in the office under local anesthesia. Patients go home the same day and can immediately return back to their activities.