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Only Faucets Should Leak
Non-surgical incontinence treatment promotes confidence

Women experiencing stress urinary incontinence, especially those looking for a less invasive, non-surgical treatment have a reason to rejoice.

Like so many women after childbirth, Dianne Smith developed a problem with incontinence. “If I coughed, sneezed, lifted something heavy or participated in just about any activity I had leakage,” she says. “My OB/GYN told me I needed a complete hysterectomy.”

Not willing to take such a drastic step, she sought the help of Urologist Dr. Steven Sukin with Tomball Urology and The Woodlands Urology Clinic near Houston. He recommended a urethral sling, placed around the urethra and bladder neck, creating a “backboard,” giving support to the urethra and preventing urine leakage.

“I recommend the sling to younger women as the best way to get permanent surgical control,” says Dr. Sukin. Dianne had the surgery, but did not get the results she wanted. In her case the sphincter was found to be deficient and the sling had no effect on her incontinence.

Dr. Sukin then suggested the Periurethral Injection Procedure. It incorporates the use of Durasphere® EXP, a bulking agent consisting of small carbon beads mixed in a water-based gel which closes leaks surrounding the bladder neck to mid-urethra. Most often injected into the inner layer of the tissue surrounding the urethra, there is no danger of leakage of the substance into the bladder.

It can typically be performed in a matter of 20 minutes with a local anesthetic, but Dr. Sukin believes his patients are more comfortable under general anesthesia as a hospital outpatient.

The injection is highly recommended for older women who want to re-gain a sense of independence, yet who would rather not risk having surgery.

Dr. Sukin says Durasphere EXP is safe, long-lasting and effective. No migration of carbon beads to other locations in the body has been found. No alteration to the immune system or allergic tissue sensitivity has been discovered in those having the injection. A similar compound has been used in the heart valve industry for over 30 years with exceptional results.

Patients receiving the injection for incontinence may expect it to last from one to three years. In an FDA study, almost 65 percent of patients maintained an improved outcome up to five years after receiving Durasphere. Initially, collagen was used as the bulking agent in the procedure, but it breaks down quickly, lasting only three to six months before another injection is required.

According to Dr. Sukin, any treatment for incontinence should also include the use of muscle-strengthening products. Women’s Health Boutique offers pelvic muscle exercisers, vaginal weights and a variety of other products related to the condition.

Dianne feels like a new person and says no woman with incontinence should be embarrassed or suffer in silence. “Now I have to remind myself to go to the bathroom,” she says. “And I can sneeze, laugh and jump – it’s just been wonderful.”

Women’s Health Boutique has washable panties, disposable pads, advanced skincare lotions and other products to assist in managing incontinence. Visit the online store or click on “Find a Boutique” to locate the WHB near you!