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Mechanical devices for urinary incontinence in women
Mechanical devices may be used to manage different types of urinary incontinence.
- Pessary : This rubber device is inserted into the upper vagina where it touches the cervix. The pessary presses on the urethra through the vaginal wall and holds up the bladder neck and uterus, if present. It may also pinch the urethra closed to help retain urine in the bladder. It is usually not necessary to remove the pessary to urinate. Normal bladder contractions can usually force urine out through the pinched-off urethra.
- Urethral insert : A thin, flexible tube that is solid rather than hollow (like a catheter) is placed into the urethra to block the leakage of urine. Many women find these devices uncomfortable.
- External urethral barrier : A self-adhesive patch or a cap is placed over the urethral opening to block the leakage of urine.
A thin, flexible tube (catheter) that allows urine to drain out is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. Different types of catheters exist for use by women with urinary incontinence.
- Intermittent self-catheterization: A woman inserts a clean catheter when it is necessary to urinate, usually 3 or 4 times a day.
-
Indwelling Foley catheter
: A catheter remains in place
continuously. This type of catheter has a balloon on one end that is inflated
with sterile water once that end is inside the bladder. The inflated balloon
prevents the catheter from slipping out.
Urinary tract infections are more likely to occur with
long-term use of an indwelling catheter than with intermittent
self-catheterization.
What To Expect After Treatment
This section is not applicable to this treatment.
Why It Is Done
Mechanical devices may be used to manage overflow incontinence or stress incontinence. They may also be used to manage severe incontinence that cannot be treated with medications or surgery.
How Well It Works
These devices do not cure urinary incontinence but allow the woman (or a caregiver) to manage incontinence and to avoid releasing urine.
These devices generally are effective in managing urinary incontinence. However, some women find the devices uncomfortable or painful and stop using them.
Risks
Using a catheter or urethral insert increases the risk of:
- Urinary tract infection.
- Damage to the urethra.
- Skin irritation.
Using pessaries increases the risk of damaging the:
- Vaginal wall.
- Urethra.
What To Think About
Use of mechanical devices is under your control and can be designed to fit into your lifestyle.
Complete the special treatment information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this treatment.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
ENABLEX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat the following symptoms due to a condition called overactive bladder:
- · having a strong need to go to the bathroom right away (also called "urgency")
- · leaks or wetting accidents (also called "urinary incontinence")
- · having to go to the bathroom too often (also called "urinary frequency")
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
You should not take once-daily ENABLEX if you have certain types of stomach problems, glaucoma, or have trouble emptying your bladder. Side effects of ENBLEX include blurred vision, and more commonly dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Use caution when doing certain activities until you know how ENBALEX affects you.
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
