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. A special device called a cystoscope is used. The scope has a light. It looks in the bladder and urethra.

The substance bulks up the urethral tissue. This causes it to tighten. This limits urine leaking if it 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