Surgery
According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 11 percent of patients seeking treatment for urinary incontinence will undergo surgery.
Bulking Agents
Another way to prevent leakage from stress incontinence is to inject synthetic bulking agents into the tissues around the urethra boosting the size of the urethra lining and creates resistance against the flow of urine from the bladder.
Injections must be repeated every 12 to 18 months and are only helpful against stress incontinence. Potential side effects include pain at injection site and or damage to the urethra.
Note: Bulking Agents treat Stress Urinary Incontinence only and do nothing to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Neurotoxin Injection (Botox)
Neurotoxin (Botox®) is used for urge incontinence. Toxin is injected into the detrusor muscle (the muscle that surrounds the bladder) to limit the muscle’s ability to contract, thus diminishing the symptoms of urgency for a period of time. Injections must be completed with regularity, as the effects of the injection diminish.
Common side effects:
- Urinary retention (not being able to empty the bladder completely) which may require catheterization
- Urinary tract infection
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Insomnia (difficulty getting to sleep and or staying asleep)
Note: Does not treat Stress Urinary Incontinence, no strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles.
