Stress urinary incontinence and urethral bulking injections

What is it?

Urethral bulking injections are used to help control urine (pee) leakage caused by a weak urinary sphincter. This is a permanent urethral implant. It is done in the clinic with local anesthesia.

How does urethral bulking work?

A substance is injected into the wall of your urethra using a special device called a cystoscope. This is a lit scope that looks into the bladder and urethra).

The substance bulks up the urethral tissue, causing it to tighten. This helps limit urine leaking if your leaking is the result of a weak urinary sphincter.

After the procedure

• You may do your normal activities.
• You may bath and shower as normal.
• Do not put anything in your vagina for 1 week.
• Drink fluids to keep your pee a pale yellow. This lowers your risk of infection.
• When you go to the bathroom:
  • You may notice light spotting or blood in your urine for 1 or 2 days. This is normal.
  • You may have the urge to pee quickly.
  • You may have discomfort with peeing for a few days.

Call our office or your local doctor if you have:

• A fever over 100.4° F
• Chills
• Signs of a urinary tract infection, such as:
  • Frequency
  • Urgency
  • Pain or burning when you pee
  • Blood in your pee after the first 2 days
  • Pain in your kidney area
• If you do not feel you are emptying your bladder fully